Life in Colour No.19 Feb 2010 by Level 7 Media

London’s Original No.1 Multicultural Listing Guide Over 250,000 Monthly Readers

Issue 19 • Feb 2010

Entertainment L i s t i n g s

MUSIC

Jordana de Lovely

CLUBS

Bombay Dreams Valentine’s Special

THEATRE

Flamenco Festival London 2010

COMEDY

Shazia Mirza

COMMUNITY

Love, Sax and all that Jazz

SCREEN

Los Marielitos

GALLERY

Chris Ofili Exhibition

EVENTS

African Soul Rebels 2010

WRITTEN & SPOKEN

Lyrical Healer

FAITH

London Community Gospel Choir

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Counsellor Mike

Valentine's Special

CONTENTS 23

A Word From The Editors ‘Tis the season of love and surely romance is in the air! And whether you’re in a relationship or single, there’s always room for brotherly love. Sadly, 12 January saw one of the worst humanitarian disasters of our time. The devastating earthquake in Haiti took thousands of lives and reduced the country to rubble. In this darkest of hours it’s reassuring to see our altruistic spirit come shining through and people clubbing together to raise money and offer support, hence our Haiti Appeal special, which highlights different fundraising events happening in the capital throughout the month.

04-12

MUSIC

13-20

CLUB

18-19

HAITI APPEAL SPECIAL

30-31

WRITTEN & SPOKEN

32-33

COMMUNITY

34-35

FAITH

36-37

HEALTH & WELLBEING

21-24

THEATRE

25 26-27

COMEDY SCREEN

38-39

GALLERY

28-29

EVENTS

40-41

FOOD

Editor

Samera Owusu Tutu

Assistant Editor

Cassah

Design

Milly, Lai Fong Lam

Michalina Zietek

Contributors:

Lyrical Healer

But if there’s one special day you want to highlight this month then look no further, we have all that you need to make sure your Valentine’s Day goes off without a hitch. Here at Life In Colour we know that variety is key, so we have highlighted the great things you could do on your special weekend throughout the magazine. Whether an event, a club night or a show, just look out for the special heart symbol highlighting our picks for the season.

London’s Original No.1 Multicultural Listing Guide Over 250,000 Monthly Readers

Issue 19 • Feb 2010

Entertainment L i s t i n g s

MUSIC

Jordana de Lovely

CLUBS

Bombay Dreams Valentine’s Special

Aaron Rose

THEATRE

Flamenco Festival London 2010

COMEDY

Shazia Mirza

COMMUNITY

Love, Sax and all that Jazz

Katherine Bing

Counsellor Mike

Check out our Foods of Love feature, if you’re feeling adventurous. After a day at a Gallery a quiet night in might be just what the doctor ordered. If you’re still stuck, why not glean some inspiration from Ahmed Sirour, the mastermind behind Amplified’s We Love Marvin Valentine’s Event and Haiti Fundraiser, or from our DJ interview with Man vs Wife, partners who mix business and love.

SCREEN

Los Marielitos

GALLERY

Chris Ofili Exhibition

EVENTS

African Soul Rebels 2010

WRITTEN & SPOKEN

For all you singletons out there, we haven’t forgotten you! Delve into our feature on Mica Paris, the UK’s first lady of soul and self-love ambassador — that’s right, love starts at home.

Lyrical Healer

FAITH

London Community Gospel Choir

Advertising

Cassah

Shabbar Lakha

Published by

Life In Colour

Trading Company

Publishers

JB Rose

Derek Morrison-Bowen

To advertise in the next issue contact: Life in Colour Trading Company 16 Skylines Village, Limeharbour E14 9TS T: 020 7005 0590, F: 020 7005 0970 Please e-mail all listings information to E: lifeincolour@level7media.co.uk W: www.lifeincolour.uk.com

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Counsellor Mike

Valentine's Special

Well that’s the month in a nutshell. As always there’s plenty to do and places to be… Maybe I’ll see you there!

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher. The views expressed in this publication are those of the advertisers. Life In Colour can not take responsibility for any incorrect or misleading claims made. ©2010 Life In Colour

MUSIC 04

Feb Jazz Re:freshed presents... Jordana de Lovely

One to look out for!

Jordana de Lovely is a vocalist and songwriter on the rise in Brooklyn, NYC. With a soulful voice and a an explosive stage presence, her style has been described as a combination of soul, jazz, folk, blues and electronica reminiscent of Ella, and Jill Scott. She has performed throughout New York City with artists like José James, who she’ll be touring with this month. Make sure you check out this show. This won’t be one to miss... Cost: £5 Time: 8.00pm Location: Jazz Re:freshed, Mau Mau Bar, 265 Portobello Road, W11 1LR Info: www.jazzrefreshed.com

02 Feb

Melodians Steel Orchestra with special guest Ricky Rodriguez

Expect an evening of moledies rooted in the Caribbean and Latin musical traditions featuring the acclaimed Melodians Steel Orchestra. They are joined for this performance by their special guest, Puerto Rican percussionist Ricky Rodriguez. his concert celebrates the 2010 bicentennial of Latin American independence. Cost: £13 Time: 7.45pm Location: Purcell Room, Southbank Centre, Belvedere

Road, SE1 8XX Info: www. southbankcentre.com

04 Feb

CLOSE UP with SKY MONTIQUE

Hear the amazing sounds of Sky Montique at this luxurious live music venue. DJ Rhodium from Phat Kontrolaz and Playvybz. com will be spinning for the after party. Catch this if you can. Cost: £8 Time: 7.30pm – 1am Location: The Old Queens Head, 44 Essex Road, Angel, N1 8LN Info: ww.ticketweb.co.uk

Feb SIMPLY TARANG

Milapfest brings its Indian Classical Music ensemble back to the Southbank Centre for its brand new offering of contemporary Indian music. Tarang is unique, as it is an all-Indian instrument ensemble, and performs new music commissioned especially for its touring performances. On its return to Purcell Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Tarang’s dynamic young musicians play new pieces by Praveen D Rao, Dr Rajeeb Chakraborty, Pt Tarun Bhattacharya and Jayanthi Kumaresh, amongst others, showcasing its range of modern classical music.

Cost: £12 Time: 7:45pm Location: Purcell Room, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: www. southbankcentre.com

Feb UKSOULJAM @ JAZZCAFE ft. HEIDI VOGEL + More All Live UKSoul Acts: - Feb 7th

The UK soul show at Jazz Cafe will feature Heidi Vogel, Jason Jermaine, Cecilia Stalin, Grace Obika, and more. With DJ Kay on the decks. Cost: £10; £8 adv Time: 7pm – 1am Location: Jazz Cafe, 5 Parkway, Camden, NW1 7PG Info: www.jazzcafe.co.uk

Funk Affair ...presenting the very best of UK funk!

Ronnie Scott’s Funk Affair presents some of the finest UK funk talent around. Each month a variety of musicians and vocalists come together for an infectiously wicked evening of funky grooves. They’ll play those great rare groove and funk standards, including songs by Prince, Parliament, The Rebirth, Patrice Rushen, Don Blackman, Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson, George Duke and many more. Cost: £15 – £27.50 Time: 6pm – 12.30am Location: Ronnie Scott’s, Location: 47 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4HT Info: www.ronniescotts.co.uk

The Clore Ballroom SOUNDS OF US LONDON (SOUL) WORKSHOP

Presented by igospel.uk, SOUL brings together singers from across the capital for an inspirational concert at Queen Elizabeth Hall on 29 March 2010. These free rehearsal workshops will form two mass choirs from scratch igospelLondon (adults) and 1SOUL London (young people aged 16 - 25yrs) - for this unique performance. The morning session will be for the adults while the afternoon session, starting at 2.30pm, will be for the young people’s choir. Places are limited. To take part, you’ll

MUSIC 07

Feb V9 Collective

Founded in March 2009 by bass player, writer and producer Sam Lynch, V9 Collective’s music can best be described as a fusion of old school funk and new school soul with an injection of sweet Gospel vocals, promoting positive and inspirational messages of love and hope. The group is currently working on their debut album to be released in 2010. Other band members include Lynch’s wife Vernetta, sisters Ruth and Tula and cousin Semele, and they are all experienced singers in their own right. Get ready to be wowed. Cost: Free Time: 1.30pm Location: Royal Festival Hall, Foyer Bar – Level 2, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: www.southbankcentre.com

need to register in advance for a free practice CD and lyric sheet by visiting the Southbank website, listed below or by calling 020 7249 0902. Be a part of it! Cost: Free Time: 10am – 5.45p Location: Royal Festival Hall, The Clore Ballroom, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: www.southbankcentre. com

J-Dilla Changed My Life

COMPETITION

Feb Jazz Re:freshed presents... Rough Ramblers

Feb THE FATS WALLER ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

The musical legacy of Fats Waller is enormous and these popular tribute performances celebrate his life and legacy. Gifted with a faultless piano technique, Waller wrote over 500 beautifully crafted compositions and many of these feature in this performance, including ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’, ‘Honeysuckle Rose’, ‘I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter’, ‘My Very Good Friend The Milkman’, ‘Your Feet’s Too Big’ and ‘The Joint Is Jumpin’. Keith Nichols hosts the programme, delivering vocals and an amusing narration describing Fats Waller’s larger-than-life personality and natural gift for timeless comedy. He is joined by Roy Williams (trombone), John Barnes (tenor sax, clarinet), Jim Douglas (guitar), Peter Morgan (double bass) and Laurie Chescoe (drums), and Enrico Tomasso (trumpet). Cost: £15 – £17.50 Time: 7.45pm Location: Purcell Room, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: www.southbankcentre.com

Jazz fusion with some major influences from Pat Metheny, this is a serious gig for guitar fusion lovers. It´s all there, a few bass solos, drum solo and great guitar playing with lots of effects and above all compositions that keep the attention Cost: £5 *WE HAVE 2 TICKETS GIVEAWAY* Time: 8.00pm Location: Jazz Re:freshed, Mau Mau Bar, 265 Portobello Road, W11 1LR Info: www.jazzrefreshed.com

Massive Attack at the Hammersmith Apollo

In support of HOPING Foundation, Massive Attack are playing one night at the Apollo. The pioneeing force behind

The ‘10 To Watch For 2010’ Showcase

The Takeover Team present 10 fresh acts set to blow in 2010. Industry Takeover is all about empowering the next generation of emcees, singers, DJs and young music industry professionals. Witness the finest homegrown talent live on stage with a full band. Cost: £3Time: 7.30pm  Location: Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX Info: www.stratford-circus.com

Feb Red Bull Music Academy Presents: Carl Craig, Francesco Tristano & Moritz Von Oswald, Matmos, Bugge Wesseltoft & Henrik Schwarz Duo

A night of experimental electronic music featuring DJs and performances spread over Royal Festival Hall and The Clore Ballroom. Cost: £17.50 – £22.50 + booking Time: 7.30pm Location: Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: www.southbankcentre. com

Ruby Turner

Ruby Turner has been widely regarded as one of the greatest voices the UK has ever produced. Ruby can breathe life and meaning into a song whether it is a passionate soaring ballad or a soulful up-tempo groove. A very prolific songwriter, many of Ruby’s songs have been covered by artists such as Lulu, Yazz and Maxi Priest, while her vocal prowess has been employed to good effect by Brian Ferry, Mick Jagger, Steve

The Doctor’s Orders present a night in tribute to the life and work of a true Hip-Hop genius. To celebrate what would have been James ‘J-Dilla’ Yancey’s 36th Birthday we are throwing our 4th annual tribute to the greatest Hip-Hop producer of all time. VIP Tickets grant exclusive access to VIP bar and balcony and include an exclusive J-Dilla T-Shirt & CD. All proceed from the night will be donated to the J-Dilla Foundation and Lupus UK Cost: £5 - £30 Time: 7pm - midnight Location: Scala, 275 Pentonville Road, Kings Cross, N1 9NL Info: 0207-833-9544 or 07866-610-212 and info@ thedoctorsorders.com

the rise of trip-hop, Massive Attack are sure to provide an unforgettable night. Fans should be swift, as these tickets will fly. Cost: £35.90 Time: 7pm Location: HMV Hammersmith Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9QH Info: venues.meanfiddler.com/ apollo

MUSIC 25

Feb The 29th Chapter HipHop Funk Fresh!

From freestyle circles to makeshift bedroom studios, to stages across the UK, Europe and beyond, The 29th Chapter have been on the grind making music and touring their own unique brand of Hip Hop. Not your usual commercialised copycats, The 29th Chapter infuse their music with a pinch of wit, a dash of humour and a refreshing twist of reality. All held together by a generous helping of electro, pop, funk,Hip Hop. Hard to imagine? Well you’ll just have to go and check them out with live band and special guest support acts. Cost: £13.50 Time: 7pm Location: Jazz Cafe, 5 Parkway, Camden, NW1 7PG Info: www.jazzcafe.co.uk

Tutors will break down studio magic with a remix workshop, while a panel of broadcasting’s most lively personalities sits down to discuss the evolution of pirate radio with Contemporary Black Music Culture lecturer Jacqueline Springer. Techno maniac Drums Of Death and Stones Throw’s psyche devotee b-boy James Pants will be performing live, while Academy participants will be refuelling your ears with nuggets on the turntables. Cost: Free Time: 4pm – 11pm Location: ICA - Theatre Bar, 12 Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH Info: www.ica.org.uk

13 - 14 6

Feb Valentines Day Special with Joe Stilgoe & Natalie Williams

Winwood, and Jools Holland. Described as truly the genuine article and blessed with a voice that has been likened to Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin, Ruby continues to win the hearts and minds of an ever growing and diverse fan base. This will no doubt prove to be a classic night from a classic artist. Cost: £17.50 Time: 7pm Location: Jazz Cafe, 5 Parkway, Camden, NW1 7PG Info: www.jazzcafe.co.uk

Music Soulchild, Avant and Donell Jones

Three amazing voices, two live bands and one very special RnB neo soul Valentines showcase. For the lovers our there this is not to be missed! This is Avant’s first ever UK performance and he’s in good company with soul brothas Musiq and Donell by his side! Definitely the perfect way to kick of the Valentine’s weekend… Over 18s only. Cost: £35 - £50 Time: 7pm

Location: O2 Academy Brixton, 211 Stockwell Road, SW9 9SL Info: www. o2academybrixton.co.uk

The chemistry between Williams and Stilgoe is an amazing thing to witness on the stage and this special show, devised for Valentines weekend will set most hearts fluttering. With Joe’s witty songs and Natalie’s angelic voice, this will make for a perfect romantic night. Cost: £25 – £41.50 Time: 6pm – 12.30am Location: Ronnie Scott’s, Location: 47 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4HT Info: www.ronniescotts.co.uk

Feb The 7th Reggae Got Soul Valentine’s Showcase

Feb Red Bull Music Academy

Tonight, as part of a 30-date London ‘tour’, the ICA opens its doors for an The Red Bull Music Academy-curated selection of lectures, workshops, panel discussions, concerts and showcases of music from the global underground scene. Past Academy lecturers include Gilberto Gil, Tony Allen, Derrick May, Bob Moog, Biz Markie and Chuck D.

Headlined by Freddie Jackson and John Holt, a stellar line-up of Reggae superstars take this annual lover’s fest to new heights. Stars like Tarrus Riley , Marcia Griffith, Lukie D, Bitty McLean and Duane Stephenson will have you swaying in your seats. Over 18’s Only Cost: £35 - £40 Time: 7.30pm Location: O2 Academy Brixton, 211 Stockwell Road, SW9 9SL Info: www.o2academybrixton. co.uk

Ne-Yo Live

One of the most prolific

songwriters in modern pop, the romantic crooner hits London with a bumper concert on the perfect night… See Ne-Yo at Wembley arena on Valentine’s Day with support from Jay Sean and Ryan Leslie. This will definitely be a show to remember with the right measures of bounce and romance to make this something special. Cost: £32.50 – ££45 Time: 6.30pm Location: Wembley Arena, Arena Square, Engineers Way, London, HA9 OAA Info: www.livenation. co.uk/wembley

Feb Ne-Yo at the Hammersmith Apollo

Grammy award winner Ne-Yo adds a special London date to his already highly anticipated UK shows on 17 February. The newly announced show is his most intimate UK show in two years taking place at London’s HMV Hammersmith Apollo. So if your Valentine’s gift doesn’t go down too well, have no fear: tickets will go on sale on 15th January at 9am. Cost: £39.75 - £44.75 Time: 7pm Location: HMV Hammersmith Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9QH Info: venues. meanfiddler.com/apollo

Feb Tinchy Stryder

Tinchy Stryder is the biggest selling UK male artist of the year. With two number one singles, a certified gold album and a sold out headline tour under his belt, his appearance at The Roundhouse will no doubt be on top form. Priority Booking opens on Thursday 15 October. General booking opens 9am on Friday 16 October. Cost: £20 Time: 7pm Location: The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH Info: www.roundhouse.org.uk

MUSIC 21

Feb Bizarre tour Presents… Chipmunk, Daisy Dares You, Tinie Tempeh and Skepta

Number 1 selling artist Chipmunk will be joined by Daisy Dares You, Tinie Tempah and Skepta on the Bizarre Presents Tour. Definitely one for the teenagers, mum’s stay at home! Cost: £12.50 Time: 6pm Location: O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12 8TT Info: www. o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk

22 24

British soul singer Mica Paris started off singing in church before turning professional in her mid-teens. Her sultry base tones are unmistakeable and have made her a legend on the UK soul scene. After twenty- two years in the business, and five albums, the UK’s Soul Queen is back and ready to wow us again with songs from her latest acclaimed album, Born Again. Cost: £20 – £37.50 Time: 7pm – 12.30am Location: Ronnie Scott’s, 47 Frith Street, Soho, W1D 4HT Info: www.ronniescotts.co.uk

24 Feb

Corinne Bailey Rae

Famed for her international smash hit Put Your Records On and her laid back sultry voice, Corinne Bailey Rae is a force to be reckoned with on the UK music scene. Despite personal hardship she manages to bring a ray of sunshine to all that listen, even on a wintry February night. Cost: £22.99 Time: 7pm Location: O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12 8TT Info: www. o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk

What happens when you mix one of the most sought after singer/songwriters in the independent Soul music game with some of the UK’s hottest acts? You get Groove Gumbo… hosted by the one and only Eric Roberson! Groove Gumbo provides a platform for our homegrown finest to shine, as well as the occasional visit from some of our international friends. Expect to hear anything from fresh unsigned talent, to your more familiar favourites with our guest DJ on the night spinning exactly what you want to hear during the after party. Make no mistake about it, Groove Gumbo will be the place to be for a night of live music, unique sounds and good vibes. Cost: £10 Time: 7.30pm – 2am Lcoation: Pigalle Club, 215 Piccadilly, W1J 9HN Info: www.thepigalle.co.uk

27 28 Feb

Noisettes

Check out the punk spirit and scorching blues-rock of Noisettes at North London hotspot the Roundhouse. They’ll perform their signiture set of sleek pop songs steeped in soul and dizzy on disco -- harking back to the days of the blues and jazz greats. Space is limited and advance booking is recommended, so call now on 0844 482 8008. Cost: £20 Time: 7pm Location: The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH Info: www.roundhouse.org.uk

GORGEOUS PARTY

Another fun filled evening with the Gorgeous family. Mature people partying away to the great sounds from the resident DJs at the Abacus -- a truly gorgeous venue! Abacus has three dance areas, three bars, a restaurant and over 30 VIP areas. Cost: £5 – £10 Time: 10pm – 4am Location: Abacus, 24 Cornhill, London, EC1V 3ND

Unsigned and Happening

AVA B British Born Ava B transcends the

typical hook-singing feature artist on yet another mix CD. With a DIY attitude to life and music, the young songstress is wise beyond her years and it shows in her melodic flow. The self-titled ‘black Madonna’ is set to release another single following the success of the funky track Takeover ft UK Garage veteran MC Creed. Intriguing, mysterious and sexy, Pant Love fuses the seductive vocal cuts of Soulful House with the upbeat infectiousness of dance euphoria, creating a midriff urbanized house track, ready for mainstream consumption. myspace.com/ Avabmusicworld

PVIBEZ

Feb Mica Paris with support from The Ronnie Scotts All Stars

Feb Groove Gumbo hosted by Eric Roberson

PVIBEZ is a phenomenal UK producer, singer and songwriter. PVIBEZ’s Urban expression is delicately intertwined within his soulful, funk, jazz and Latin fusion. His current single, No Fantasy, featuring Dee Freer is out now via ITunes and Amazon. com. With an international fan base rapidly multiplying in New York and Canada, this multi-faceted artist is the one to watch! For more information visit: www.youtube.com/ pvibezmuso or www.myspace. com/pvibez

SEGGE DAN Segge Dan is a conscious rapper representing the authentic vibrations of London’s capital alongside his comrades Black Britanyaa. His current album The Windrush Volume 2 is progressive soulful Hip Hop collection and features soul legend Omar on a tracked called Libations. Innovative and entrepreneurial, Segge Dan has always sought to push the boundaries in Hip Hop using an eclectic range of musical styles. To purchase the album please log online www.seggedan.com

Ahmed Sirour

For those that don’t know, break down what you do [music wise] and who you’ve worked with. Musically, I cover a wide range. I play the keyboard/piano and percussion, I compose — sometimes with songwriting as well, make vocal and instrumental arrangements, produce, engineer. As for who I’ve worked with on live gigs, I’ve supported many established UK talent, including Floetic Lara, Kersha Bailey, and Don-E. As for established independent and major artists, those I’ve supported include Stacy Epps, Dwele, and Marsha Ambrosius from Floetry. Should I win this remix contest I entered for Eric Roberson’s “A Tale of Two”, and I have made it through to the next round, then he’ll be next.

Though he reps his city of New York hard, Ahmed Sirour has truly become an honorary Londoner and is making strong waves on our city’s vibrant live music scene. Life In Colour’s Samera Owusu Tutu hears about his rendition of jams, ciphers and sets in the city.

You’re a self-taught musician right? How did that all come about? Yes, I am. Well, I’ve always loved music as it is integrally a part of me and some years ago I was listening to some music with a friend who had a keyboard, and for the fun of it, I tried to see if I could figure out the chords to the song, which I eventually picked up after a few tries. From there I started to play any piano or keyboard I could find, fascinated by the new ability to listen and play back what I heard. I started to even make up my own simple songs. Eventually I bought my own keyboard and would play CDs and just learn. Then I tested myself playing during jam sessions and soon got over my apprehension of playing in public. Eventually I was approached to play for a house band earning my first gig back in 2002. What was just a fun hobby has now become my way of life and profession. That’s the main reason I now have a Masters degree in Audio Production actually. You didn’t take that leap into music straight away though, you actually went into the corporate world first right? What made you follow your

heart in the end? No, music as a profession wasn’t even on my radar for most of my life, though I’ve always loved and been around it. To be honest, I didn’t even know I had the gift for it. I was always creative and good at sales, so I thought pursuing a safe and lucrative career in Marketing would be my best bet and went to undergrad for that. Thing is, I wasn’t fulfilled and dropped out of university as there was nothing that really grabbed me, and as I had done various internships while enrolled, I managed to take that experience and land a corporate gig making good money, but again, I wasn’t fulfilled or satisfied. What made me leave was more like a leap of faith as I figured that being young, single, and childless, this would be a great time to take a chance as it’s only my backside I’d fall on if it didn’t work out, but thankfully it did! The journey has been unpredictable and sometimes really rough, but I wouldn’t change it, ever. The places I’ve traveled, people I’ve met, the amazing musicians I’ve performed with? Nothing could replace that, and I am very thankful. You’re from New York, but you played a lot around the Atlanta music scene. That must have been an very interesting time creatively. Yeah, I’m a native of Brooklyn, but I went to [university] towards the late 90s, in the Atlanta, and first developed there as a musician. The music scene was really amazing, especially considering the many major artists you’d see around on the regular. It was a normal thing to go to an open mike night, specifically the one at Apache Cafe on Wednesday nights, and see any kind of major artist just randomly pop up like Rachelle Ferrell or Bilal, just chillin in the audience or doing an impromptu performance. Or there was another time I was doing a gig and Laurnea shows up and asks to jam with me and my band and then asks if I could perform for a

private birthday party for India.Arie (also a regular in the ATL scene). Other surprise guests showed up to perform there, ranging from Donnie, to Algebra to even T.I.. There were so many major artists who were from or moved there that is was a normal thing to frequently bump into artists/celebrities like Usher, Outkast, TLC, Goodie Mob, Diddy, Halle Berry (when she lived there), Tyler Perry, Jermaine Dupri, Janet Jackson, Van Hunt, etc.

randomly applied to a university and surprisingly was accepted. I now have a degree and have met various people in the UK music scene, which unltimately led to me becoming the newest and only American member of Amplified. It has all definitely been a great honor for me. London wasn’t a plan, just an idea but I can see that for various reasons, it was supposed to be here for this point in my life.

Atlanta sounds like the place… but you left? The immense amount of star power there, plus developing market and housing boom, also attracted more outsiders. Eventually Atlanta became, in my eyes, very fake and commercial in some of the overall music scenes, which didn’t bother me until it got into the undeground scene, and then it became stifling and not fun anymore. It’s still a music mecca, but not on the same level as it was from the early 90s to early Noughties. To Atlanta’s credit, I learned much about what I know of UK Soul from there. DJs like the late Ken Batie, and now my boy Jamal Ahmad on WCLK 91.9FM introduced me to Omar, Loose Ends, D’Influence, Brand New Heavies, New Sector Movement, Soul 2 Soul, Incognito, Mark de Clive-Lowe and so many others.

And you’re now part of the London collective Amplified as musical director. What do you have in the pipeline? Yes, I am now a part of an illustrious group whose events and members I respect and admire. There are ideas that I’m bringing to the table, as a native New Yorker and just American, I haven’t seen done in London yet as well as new things I’d like to incorporate since living here and London becoming my international home away from home. The UK live music culture needs a fresh approach and new life breathed into it, and Amplified is going to be the one to do so in ways London has yet to see, and I’m glad to be a part of what I see will be a push towards quality music and innovation.

Why London? Well, I only meant to visit here for three weeks in 2007. I didn’t know a friend of mine from Brooklyn would be performing at Mau Mau and would agree to let me perform in her band with her so I could say I did a gig overseas, nor that LyricL and a few others would hear me and suggest I meet various people, including Mark de CliveLowe who in turn introduced me to The Fanatix, which resulted in my first UK album credits on their debut on BBE Records. Many gigs that followed after, and I met new people and extending my stay until I reasoned I needed to figure a way to stay longer and

So your first Amplified event is 14 February. Tell me a bit about that. Well, right off the bat, the first AMP event of 2010 is on me with the first of our ‘AMP’d Live’ series called ‘AMP’d Live presents: We Love Marvin - A fundraiser for Haiti”, and happens to fall on that particularly known day in February. Admittedly, this idea was planned well before the events of January 12 when the devastating earthquake hit the already impoverished nation of Haiti, but we thought it fitting to make a Marvin Gaye tribute to his songs of love and reinvent it with a labor of love and give to those who certainly need our financial help in severe time of need, although it’s ironic that it

took a major catastrophe to point out that they needed help long before this tragedy. It will be a unique and wonderful experience, in my opinion, and all who will be performing will bring their own talent and personal touch to classics, though some songs people may not readily recognize unless they are true Marvin fans; I didn’t even realize how many great love songs Marvin recorded, when I started doing my research for a setlist. All I will say is that I hope this event will set the bar for things to come, but also for the live music culture, as a whole, because it can’t evolve without fresh ideas and approaches. Don’t expect a live karoake session of Marvin classics everyone knows and can sing from a screen at a pub; this is about musicianship, the seduction of a well-written love song from an era when songwriting and live music was the standard, not the exception...and just as important, a benefit for the people of Haiti.

MUSIC R

Sade Soldier of LoveYesterday Release date: 8 February 2010 Remember ‘Your Love Is King’ and ‘Smooth Operator’? Well, Sade is back! Her new 10-track album, Soldier of Love, doesn’t stray too far from the classic Sade sound. Mournful lyrics that dive into the emotional cost of lost love as well as hope-driven introspection fuels much of the album’s dramatic tone. And that voice? It’s still there: haunting, calming, gorgeous all at once!

Jaheim Another Round Release Date: 9 February Shedding his signature braids, Jaheim starts this ‘round’ with a fresh cut and gentlemanly swagger to match. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Another Round is his latest offering in which he maintains the lush vocals, relatable singles and uplifting lyrics that have become his trademark. This album is just what the industry and his fans need — a familiar but fresh breath of air.

Driss High Class Problems Vol 1 Release Date: 8 February You’ve seen him on screen, now listen to him sing and rap! Hackney-born entertainer Idris Elba ‘s musical alter ego goes by the name Driss and displays a satisfying singing style and safe rapping ability, which is as easy on the ear as he is on the eye! This highly anticipated, uplifting hip hop/soul with a bit of a reggae 5-track mix EP includes the popular single “Please Be True”, produced by Pete Rock and sexy track “Private Garden” produced by 9th Wonder. Get rid of any preconceptions — this album is going to pleasantly surprise you.

Corinne Bailey Rae The Sea Release date: 1 February 2010 Written in Corinne’s own universe, away from influence and distraction, The Sea is a creative leap that propels Corinne into a completely different musical realm. Soaring and intimate, delicate and warm, there is power, grace and passion flowing through her vocals. She has produced an extraordinarily intimate album full of a lyrical energy that is wonderfully descriptive yet honest, open and deeply evocative of her personal journey. This album draws you deep into a contrasting world of beauty and sadness, from which you emerge with hope and understanding.

Club Section Sponsored by

The First Friday Club is held on the first Friday of every month at the exclusive Wall Bar in the heart of the city. We present the right atmosphere, people and DJ’s every month 10pm til Late with the best in RnB, Old Skool, Upfront, Reggae and Rare Groove, from some of London’s most sought after DJ’s. As TFFC is becoming increasingly popular we ask that you come early to enjoy yourself and take in the atmosphere, as overcrowding will not be permitted. “Everybody is talking about it, TFFC is one of the friendliest places to be - it is our “cheers” where someone knows your name, new friends are made or old acquaintances are greeted – so why not be a part of it? No gimmicks, no fuss, just pure social partying in a friendly environment.” Address: The Wall 45 Old Broad Street London EC2N 1HU (Between Liverpool Street & Bank Station) www.thewallbar.co.uk Parking is at Finsbury Circus, Copthall Avenue (approx 2 mins away). Doors open from 10pm until late

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Feature

Heart and Soul

Mica Paris After stints as a fashion adviser on What Not To Wear, The UK’s soul queen is back to her first passion: music. The end 2009 saw the British star releasing her first original studio album in ten years. This has sparked a nationwide tour pleasing fans old and new and reminding her millions of TV fans what first put her in the public eye 22 years ago. Mica’s new album, entitled ‘Born Again’, was released May 25th and has been produced by the legendary ‘hitmaker’, Brian Rawling. Rawling, whose recent single ‘Broken Strings’ for James Morrison and Nelly Furtado was number one worldwide. The aforementioned James Morrison wrote Mica’s first single off the album, ‘Baby Come Back Now’ – an up-tempo retro tune, that Morrison penned especially for Mica’s soaring vocals. “I’m very happy with Born Again, it took two years to get it right. I’m just so pleased I can’t tell you. Singing live really adds another dimension to it… The album gets deeper as you listen to it. I know it’s the best I’ve done in a long time.” For those that don’t know, Mica Paris roots are in soul and gospel music. She grew up singing in her grandparent’s church and by her mid teens was making regular appearances with ‘The Spirit of Watts’ gospel choir. She was soon noticed as a distinctive voice and at seventeen got her first break as a

backing vocalist with the UK chart band ‘Hollywood Beyond’. “I never really expected to be anything other than a singer. That’s what you have to know. In my mind, I always saw myself as a singer, but I will say this: I always wanted to have an adventure with the music. I always wanted to try different types of music, and I was terrified, especially on the first album. I made that album with Julian Palmer the way I wanted it to be made, I chose the writers, Peter Vale and Mick Leeson, because I wanted to make my first album a classic. I thought it was really important. I might have only been 17, but I knew that if I made a really good thing in the beginning, that people would never forget me.” The range, power, and sheer soulfulness of her singing made a major impact on the UK scene and in the following year, 1988, she released her debut, platinum-selling album, So Good, from which she had her first top ten hit with ‘You Are My One Temptation’. This led to a collaboration with American soul singer, Will Downing, on a cover version of ‘Where Is The Love’, a song made famous by Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack in the early ‘70s. More success followed with albums Contribution and Black Angel, numerous TV presenting appearances and of course her radio show, Soul Solutions, on BBC Radio 2.

But Mica wasn’t always received well. She rose at a time when less was more for a woman and her height and stature made her an easy target for mean comments. Being the true diva she is Mica rose above it. While presenting ‘What Not To Wear’, Mica encountered many woman who’s stories touched her. She began to examine her own life and choices and was compelled to tell her story in a bid to inspire confidence and self esteem to those woman and others that find life overwhelming at times. Thus her book ‘Beautiful Within’ was born. Published by Simon and Schuster the book was an instant hit. “I just had to write that book because I couldn’t believe so many women out there don’t think anything of themselves. I tell how I got through things. I was really shocked at the fact I’d been through all these things and was still standing. I hadn’t absorbed things because I’m an optimistic person – if you ever need cheering up, go to Mica.” Upon her return, Mica began a sellout residency at Ronnie Scott’s jazz club and began what would be two seasons of the BBC 1 show ‘What Not To Wear’. Her time on the show created record- breaking ratings. Other television presenting has followed with Mica being and expert judge on Gok Wan’s ‘Miss Naked Beauty 2008’ for Channel 4 and ITV’s ‘CelebAir’.

CLUBS the night. The fun does not stop there; you can party the night away at this famous after party which is held in the same place. Music courtesy of Diamond Cut, playing a wide range of music from R&B, Bollywood, Old Skool, Garage, Club Classics and Desi Beats. Cost: £15 Time: 8pm Location: The Sterling, Gherkin Tower 30 St Mary Axe, EC3A 8EP Info: 0871 873 28 38 or info@ asiand8online.com

Feb Bombay Dreams Valentine’s Special

Bombay Dreams will again be hosting the biggest valentines celebration this year. Highlights of the evening include courtesy gift for all ladies on entry, a fourcourse lavish meal, a chocolate fountain of love, a romantic and electrifying dance performance from the heart of Rio De Janeiro with a bollywood twist, warm romantic Lovers Arabian Lounge and live Indian music. Cost: £88 per couple Time: 6pm Location: Bombay Dreams Club, Sevenex Parade, 2 - 3 London Road, Wembley, HA9 7HQ Info: 020 8902 3334

Twin Beats

04 Feb

Aesthetic Sounds ‘Live’ featuring Choklate

Seatle based singer Choklate headlines with full band at Aesthetic Sound’s first show of 2010. The night takes up new residence at the trendy Vibe Bar in east London and what a way to kick things off! Choklate has worked with some of Seattle’s finest producers: Vitamin D, Bean One, Jake One, Kuddie Mak, Jay Townsend and Amos Miller. She has also opened for various artists such as Dwele, Anthony David, Raheem DeVaughn, Res, Eric Roberson &Bilal. Man vs Wife will be spinning on the decks with FAADA’s Spoonface hosting. Cost: £7 Time: 7pm 1am Location: Vibe Bar, 91-95 Brick Lane, E1 6QL Info: www.aestheticssounds.com

Feb Desi Disco

Every Friday, Desi Disco play host to some of the best up-and-coming British Asian music acts, with an established headline act taking the stage once a month. Line-ups are set to include a host of underground British Asian DJs, MCs, singers and other musical acts playing and performing the funkiest RnB, Hip Hop, UK Bhangra, Bollywood and urban

beats. Each night is rounded off with exclusive set from Desi Disco resident celebrity DJ Krash or The Senator who are on weekly rotation. Cost: £15.00 Time: 10pm Location: The Crescent Club, 3a North End Crescent W14 8TG Info: 0871 855 30 69 or info@ ChilliTickets.com

SADE “SOLDER OF LOVE” Official Album Release Party

with GROOVE LINEAGE SOUL

On Friday February 5th Groove Lineage is proud to bring you the one and only Official release party for Sade’s new album “SOLDIER OF LOVE”. Hear the new album ahead of its release date of 8 February and you will also have the chance to win some Sade goodies in our freeentry raffle on the night. As well as the normal music policy of soul, neo soul, raregroove, funk, hip hop and R&B, expect to hear Sade’s new album, some Sade classics along with the usual New, Old & Roots Soul you expect from GROOVE LINEAGE Friday Soul. Please note, Sade will not be in attendance on this occasion. Cost: Free Time: 9pm - 2am Location: Hobgoblin, 73 White Lion Street, Angel, N1 9PF Info: www.myspace.com/ keepthefaithclubnight

Feb Valentine’s Padlock Party

Ladies have a padlock, guys have a key and interaction is encouraged through getting people to try to find a key and padlock which match! If you find a match then you are entered into a prize draw to win some fantastic prizes on

It’s a celebration for every nation! DJ’s on the night are Mr Kay - Club Asia, Groovemaster Yo DJ, DJ Sachy and SoulShaker. It’s £5 for any spirit and mixer all night, 2 for 1 On Cocktails and 25% off your food bill. Kandy Nights has that combination to ensure every time you party with them you leave with a smile! Cost: £10 Time: 10pm Location: Piya Piya, 1 Olivers Yard, City Road EC1Y 1HQ Info: info@chillitickets.com

GORGEOUS PARTY

Soul Funky

Catch DJ VIP at Raduno for a saturday night of soulful vibes. This one’s for the lovers of house music, but there’ll also be classic R&B and soul in room 2. Ladies are free before 12am on the guestlist only. Men are £10 before 12am and are more there after. Cost: £10+ Time: 10pm-6am Location: Raduno, 85 Charterhouse Street, EC1M 6HJ Info: 07861113517

Spanish Harlem

New Temporary Location for

CLUBS Tribe Called Quest, Erykah Badu, Bilal, The Pharcyde, De La Soul, The Roots, Dwele and of course his own group Slum Village. Callabo will have an exploration that will include the hits and the rarities. Last year was mayhem so get there early! Cost: Free Time: 6pm – 11pm Location: Marketplace, 11 Market Place, W1W 8AH Info: www.marketplacelondon.com

07 Feb

Come party with like-minded Asian professionals and other fun loving individuals. Some of the Asian industry’s finest names will be mixing the perfect blend of R&b, Hip Hop, Latino Beats, Funky House, Eastern Blends and Desi Beats along with all your requests. Cost: £15 Time: 10.30pm Location: Ochre Lounge, 301-303 Chiswick High Road, W4 4HH Info: info@chillitickets.com

Callabo: Remembering Dilla 2010

This February at Collabo DJ Bemi and guest DJ Akasha dedicates an evening to the music of J-Dilla. Still missed four years after his passing, his musical legacy still runs through much of the music we love today. J-Dilla produced, collaborated and remixed artists such as D’Angelo, Common, A

Feb Valentina

Playboy Twinz

Playboy twinz presents the red hot valentines party, come and join them for this special night dedicated to hip hop, R&b, funky house, old skool, bollywood and bhangra! A night of passionate love songs and much more! This night is for couples who want to romance the night away, and for all those singles ready to mingle. Cost: £11 Time: 9pm Location: Club Jasmins, 202 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 7TG Info: 0871 855 30 69 or info@ChilliTickets.com

Feb Breadlove with Bunny Bread

Whether married, engaged,single or it’s complicated, there’s only one way to spend the 14th February. DJ Bunny Bread of Uprock treats us to a serious rarer than rare groove selection which is a must for all. Not to mention manVSwife and Phoenix Black support playing grown up love

grooves. This will definitely be one of the smoothest nights to attend on Valentine’s Day. Cost: Free Time: 6pm – 11pm Location: Marketplace, 11 Market Place, W1W 8AH Info: www.marketplacelondon.co.uk

Feb Indulgence @ Worship

Come join a great mix of professionals partying the night away across the two spacious floors with their own DJs and individual music. DJs shall be mixing up sexy beats across all genres. Expect R&b, Hip Hop, Old Skool, Bollywood and Bhangra. Thanks to Voodoo Entertainment, this venue has gained an unmatched reputation for the biggest bimonthly night in London. Cost: £15 Time: 9.30pm Location: The Worship, Worship St, 3 Triton Court, Finsbury Square EC2A 1BR Info: 07958 339 997 or 07961 437 388.

Spanish Harlem Event! Apt Bar is the temporary location for Spanish Harlem while Agenda is being renovated. You’ll still be able to enjoy this event’s great features: optional dinner, a free salsa Lesson and both an RnB & Salsa Room. This night is perfect for birthdays, hen nights and most other special occasions. Given the month, the event is free for the first 25 Aquarius birthdays. Cost: £6 - £15 Time: 8pm –3am Location: APT Bar, 10-15 Queen Street, EC4N 1TX Info: www.ukfridays.com

HAITI APPEAL SPECIAL 03

Feb A Concert for Haiti

Feb Belated Valentine’s Special

Music, poetry and words. This concert is not only an opportunity to give, but also a moment of reflection, with Billy Bragg also featuring a Cuban salsa dance spectacular Son Mas and Omar Puente, music from the Afro-Caribbean diaspora, poet Jean ‘Binta’ Breeze, Renes Lophanor, Tony Benn, Ken Loach and actors Tom Wilkinson and Andy de la Tour plus contributions from Haitians in UK. There will also be key appearances from Alan Rickman, Frances de la Tour and Benjamin Zephaniah. Cost: £10 Time: 6.30pm - 1am Location: Congress House, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3LS Info: 020 8800 0155

Belated is joining forces with OXFAM to raise money for the Haiti earthquake victims via the Haiti Earthquake Appeal Fund. Expect all the usual boogilicious fun and big party tunes from Soul and funk to soulful house and Hip Hop, from Dancehall and Dubstep to Electro, Latin and Garage...its all there. Belated will be donating 25% of entry; all proceeds donated goes directly to Haiti, with no administration costs. Belated are also proud to announce that they will be joined by the Goodnoyz Soundsystem crew featuring a live PA from Duchy! There will also be a charity raffle. ‘Tis the season of love, so do something for your brothers and sisters in need! Cost: £8 Time: 8pm – 3am Location: Lati Ri Bar, Rivington Place, Off Rivington Street, EC2A 3BE Info: www.latiri.co.uk

Feb Help for Haiti

The Colosseum is raising money for charity during its Help for Haiti Latin club night, which features plenty of salsa and Afro-Caribbean beats to keep you going throughout the night. Be seduced by the rhythms of Latin America for one unique and unforgettable night. Internationally-renowned DJs, teachers and performers, together with dancers of all levels are uniting with the shared aim of raising as much money as possible for the people of Haiti. The tickets, which can only be purchased on the door, include a dance lesson picked from a choice of 15 workshops and over 7 hours of dancing to the best in Salsa, Afro-Caribbean and R&B music. Cost: £10 Time: 9pm - 4am Location: Club Colesseum, 1 Nine Elms Lane, SW8 5NQ Info: 0872 148 0018

Poetry for Haiti

A night of fun, poetry, song, raffles and laughter. It’s only £3 entry, but you can donate more if you wish as all profits will go to Haiti. Performers on the

night include Rich BLK, Oneness, Sloetry, Fola, Alain English, MC Angel and Lacey Adigwu, and many more. Your compares for the night will be Zita Holbourne and Kat Francois. Cost: £3 Time: 8pm Location: The Poetry Cafe, Covent Garden, 22 Betterton Street, WC2H 9EX Info: www.poetrysociety.org. uk

Commander Yaaba, Mr Brett, Volta45, Suga Kan’n and Jerome Manicom. All funds from this event will go directly to Haiti in its hour of need. Cost: £10 Time: 8pm – 4am Location: The New Empowering Church, 1A Westgate Street, Hackney, E8 3RI

Rise Up Haiti

London’s finest Afrofunksters come together for a unique show to raise money for Haiti. Expect rousing live performances from Yaaba Funk, Afrikbawantu, Grupo Lokito and Soothsayers. I film based on Haiti, Sculptors of the Grand Rue , will be screened before the performances; a Q&A with the director, Leah Gordon, fresh back from Haiti, will take place at 8.15pm sharp. Dj’s on the night include Africathy, Man vs Wife, Cal Jader, Chief

Feb Naomi Campbell’s Fashion For Relief Naomi Campbell will stage a spectacular charity fashion show and auction to raise

money for Haiti. Fashion For Relief, which has raised money in previous years for other causes, takes centre stage at the British Fashion Council’s official London Fashion Week show venue. This year Fashion For Relief will be held in aid of The White Ribbon Alliance as it advocates for the health needs and rights of women and girls around the world, and will especially supporting its partners in Haiti at this time to rebuild the healthcare system for mothers and babies. British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood will design a limited edition Fashion For Relief t-shirt in support of the appeal. The t-shirts will be sold exclusively at the event for £50. For this exclusive event, front and second row seats will cost £650. Cost: £75 - £650 Time: TBA Locaiton: Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 1LA Info: www.ticketmaster.co.uk, 0844 844 0444

HAITI APPEAL SPECIAL 14

Feb AMP LIVE PRESENTS: WE LOVE MARVIN - A HAITIAN RELIEF FUNDRAISER

Amplified have picked the day of love to raise funds for the people of Haiti. Amplified presents of the first 2010 AMP: live sessions “We Love Marvin”, a celebration of the music of the late great Marvin Gaye. Considering his many thought-provoking songs, who better to tribute while showing brotherly love? Amplified has gathered male and female singers making waves on London’s live music scene; each will put their personal take on some Marvin classics. Will your favourites be covered…? All proceeds from the event will be donated to the HAITIAN RELIEF FUND. Cost: £7 Time: 7pm – 12am Location: City Arts and Music Project, 70-74 City Road, EC1Y 2BJ Info: www.thecamplondon.com

24 Feb

Love 4 Haiti

It’s time to make a difference. The Caribbean island of Ayiti (Haiti to you and me) experienced a devastating 7.0 earthquake on the 12th January. To do our part to assist with the relief effort You.Me.We & Uprock Recordings presents “Love4Haiti” the fundraiser where 100% of the money raised will be donated to Haiti via the NGO United Haitians in The UK, an organisation established in London in November 2008. Bringing together a smorgasbord of musical goodness, with of talented musicians and DJs coming together to raise a load of money for Haiti. Love4Haiti will feature live performances from Kaidi Tatham, Ty, Natty, Roots Manuva, Soweto Kinch, Vanessa Freeman, Abdul Shyllon, Zena Edwards, and more. Plus there will be DJ niceness

from Amplified, Blacktronica, Generika, Man vs Wife, Phat Kontrolaz, DJ Pogo and of course your boys Uprock! Playing broken, soul, jazz, afrobeat and more.. On the night they will also announce the winners of the Love4Haiti raffle, where a lucky few will win items such as signed original artwork by Airheads.co.uk , ipod touches , Revlon goody bags and prizes donated by PR Agency, The Communications Store (can we say London Fashion Week tickets…). Sticking with the fashionistas, make sure that you visit the Donation Station, where they’ll also be collecting items of clothing that YOU will be bringing down to the party. This is your chance to truly be active on the night. Cost: £10 Time: 7pm – 1am Location: Cargo, 83 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 3AY Info: www.love4haiti.co.uk

Feb Roundhouse Haiti Earthquake Fundraiser Tickets

Pick up Roundhouse Haiti earthquake fundraiser tickets and raise money for a very important cause as the famous Camden venue welcomes some of the biggest names in the music industry to lend their support to one of the biggest humanitarian disasters in a generation. Roundhouse Haiti earthquake fundraiser tickets will enable music fans to treat their ears and their conscience by seeing a host of top bands, musicians and comedians at a huge charity event. Those considerate enough and indeed fortunate enough to get their hands on Roundhouse Haiti earthquake fundraiser tickets will be treated to a huge line that acts as a veritable who’s-who of the contemporary music scene, with some top comedy thrown in for good

measure. The Roundhouse Haiti earthquake fundraiser will see the likes of The Magic Numbers, Mr Hudson, Seasick Steve, Zero 7, Charlie Brooker and Marcus Brigstocke all take to the stage, so expect a very entertaining evening indeed. Cost: TBC Time: 7pm Location: The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, NW1 8EH Info: www.roundhouse.org.uk

Feb Stand Up For Haiti

Quincy’s Comedy Lounge and GeeStor Productions present the Stand Up For Haiti show and dance. The comedy starts at 7pm from Kat, Ade Ikoli, Glenda Jaxson, Mr Cee, Kwaku, Victor Daniels and more. Stay and dance to tunes from After Dark, DJ Elayne, Equation, Daddie Ernie, Hector Selector, Latest Edition, Mistri, Special Touch, Studio Express, Chris Sweeney, TLC. No trainers please. All proceeds go to YELE, www. yele.com. Cost: £5 Time: 7pm - 1am Location: the IF Bar, 71 Ilford Hill, Ilford, IG1 2DG Info:

THREE EVENTS ONE CAUSE

Come and pit your wits in our special quiz with sections on general knowledge, celebrity knowledge, music, entertainment, Haiti and more. Each team will have a celebrity added to their team on arrival such as Brenda Emmanus, Judith Jacob, Wil Johnson, Janet Kay. Special prize for the winning team. All proceeds go to YELE, www. yele.com. Cost: £20 per team Time: 4pm - 6.30pm Location: the IF Bar, 71 Ilford Hill, Ilford, IG1 2DG Info: 07973 801 482

Why Man vs Wife? And why the “vs” instead of Man and Wife? Cyndi: When we first started DJing, we thought the whole idea of having DJ names was a bit cheesy so we came up with man and wife for a joke. Chris decided ‘versus’ because we are constantly arguing over music. How did you come about playing together? Chris: Well we would go out to bars and moan abut the music, boasting between ourselves that the music we had would be better, boring our friends in the process. We approach a few venues but there is an old network in the bar/ club events game, so decided to run our own nights. Cyndi: We got our confidence boost from playing in Tongue & Groove in Brixton. Some really quality DJs all happened to have played in there. Does your relationship add to the way you play, or is it strictly business behind the decks? Chris: Definitely adds, we discover a lot of music together, you’ve always got someone to bounce off, which enhances the set. Cyndi: Having said that I do think that we are very professional (minus a few wine spillages), because we always feel it is a privilege to have someone pay you to play music you love. While rare groove is your thing, your sets are quite eclectic. How do you describe your sound to those that have never heard you before? Cyndi: It’s interesting you say Rare Groove — some know us for progressive soul, some for Broken Beat, some for Jazz, some for Afro/ Braziliian... We play eclectic without the pretention on any format, be it vinyl, cd or in desperate times an ipod! We’ve never agreed to playing one style all night. Given the season, what’s your favourite era — and genre — for music of love? Chris: Very early 70s Lovers Rock, apart from pop music they were the first love songs I heard and enjoyed. For me, the best track is

Man vs Wife Louisa Mark - Caught You In A Lie. Cyndi: Really hard! I want to be trendy and come up with some classic in the music we tend to play but actually I think that 10CCs I’m Not In Love is one of the best love songs of all time. Let’s face it though, it wasn’t always about love, singers of old also knew how to deliver a verbal smack down! If you had to pick, what’s your favourite track? Cyndi: (Laughs) I had a tiny phase of Millie Jackson as a young girl, but actually tend to like instrumental music more than lyrics in song. I would get more of a smack down from a flute or sax than a sis saying how rubbish her man is for the like, two-millionth time in music. But for the fun of it, what about Jills Scott- Getting in the Way. Chris: Alexander O’Neal – Fake! (Laughs) Because every man has met that woman: “Your hair was long and now it’s short, you said ‘I got it cut’, but I don’t see no hair on the floooor!” This might be a favourite for another reason, but what is the rarest rare groove track you own? Chris: Newban - Free Your Mind, from our local record store, Rat Records. Yes, the staff were vex that they didn’t see it first!

Cyndi: Arnie Gloss- I’m Out Of Your Life. Actually got this on a Master Cuts Rare Groove comp from Rat Records again. Those Master Cut series compiled by Ian Wright are very sought after now. You now have a music stall in the trendy east London Backyard Indoor Market. How and why did that come about? Cyndi: We’ve had stalls in Brixton, Camden and Portobello. Whilst we do love to moan about people not being able to buy music we love, we like to be part of a solution so that we can continue to moan with the moral highground (laughs) So, this works out just fine. Chris: DJing should be about getting music to other people, selling music is the most rewarding way of ensuring that people get exactly that. No doubt you two will be spreading more love on Valentine’s day. What do you have up your sleeve event wise? Cyndi: We have an event called Hands On Music presents BREADLOVE with DJ Bunny Bread (Uprock Jazz Re:freshed). Bunny will be selecting a rarer than rare groove set for valentines day with support from us and Phoenix Black. Chris: And check out our Myspace, www.myspace.com/manvswife.

Theatre Section Sponsored by

Th e at re Pro d uc t i o n

About Tell Tarra Theatre

Established to celebrate and promote Britain’s most talented writers this exciting company was the brain child of playwright/ singer/ songwriter JB Rose who elicited the help and expertise of the highly respected director/actress Angela Michaels. Tell Tarra exploded onto the theatrical scene in 2004 and has fast become renowned for its Writers’ Festivals, showcases, networking events and high quality theatre productions. 2010 will see the full scale production of the musical The Next Big Thing by JB Rose and directed by Angela Micheals - an insightful, witty play about the highs and lows of the music industry and centered around two female characters determined to reach the top whatever it takes.

JB Rose

Co-founder and joint Director of Tell Tarra. As well being a professional singer songwriter which includes touring around the world JB has been working with young people, writing, directing and producing plays for many years. ‘Darker the Berry’ and the musical ‘Syreena’s Song’ were both commissioned by Second Wave followed by BBC TV commissions ‘Striking Out‘ (a situation comedy) and BBC 2’ drama, ‘Brothers & Sisters’. In 2004 Halfmoon Young People’s Theatre commissioned JB to write the 50-minute children’s play ‘Rukia’s World’. JB’s play ‘King of The Castle’ was read at the first Tell Tarra event December 2004. In 2005 she wrote another a play for Halfmoon Theatre called ‘Tagged’, directed by Angela Michaels and has also completed writing a piece for Immediate Theatre for their Black History month showcase in October 2007. In September 2006 JB was writer in resident at Charter School in Southwark and is currently working on commission for Second Wave Centre for Youth Arts based in Deptford.

Angela Michaels

Co-founder and joint Director of Tell Tarra Angela Michaels specialises in directing dynamic visceral theatre. Angela is co-founder and joint director of Tell Tarra, a company, dedicated to developing and producing new writing from BME communities, for which she has directed extensively at the Albany, Oval House and Royal Court Theatres, including The Politician by Kwame Kwei-Armah and The Next Big Thing by JB Rose . Angela is also Associate Director at Half Moon, forwhich she has directed critically acclaimed national tours of Locked In (2006 and 2008) and We Are Shadows - both by award-winning writer Fin Kennedy. Most recently she took on the challenge of directing the devising of a non-verbal physical theatre piece, The Magical Adventures of Spud and Plum, for Half Moon’s Early Years Festival, “Exchange for Change”. Her interest in physical theatre has also been supported by David Glass in her own piece, Charting the Journey at Chisenhale Dance Space. This year Angela has also curated Buskin Boy for a tour by the dance artist Sean Graham and directed a staged reading of Identity by Paul Morris (winner of the ‘Adopt a Playwright’ award) at the Tristan Bates Theatre. Angela passionately believes in theatre as an art-form that not only inspires but also provokes thought and debate. Her next project at Half Moon is a national tour of Begin/End, a new play by David Lane.

T. 020 7005 0590 E. info@telltarra.com W. www.telltarra.com

THEATRE 04 Feb - 06 Mar Havana Rakatan

Show of The Month

13 17

– Feb Flamenco Festival London 2010

Feb One Night in Vegas

01 06

– Feb Doctor Faustus

Faustus wants knowledge. The devil wants his soul. But, if you make a bargain with the devil, can you change your mind? Christopher Marlowe’s classic drama is brought to life in a modern metropolis where the devil is a puppet master and every move is watched. Horror, comedy, suspense and tragedy combine in a world where shadowy figures transform and shape the people and places on Faustus’ journey. Babou Ceesay (Faustus) and Simon Rivers (Mephistopheles) lead a cast of fifteen. Cost: £9.50 – £16 Time: Various Location: Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX Info: www.stratfordcircus.com

A concert style show featuring the music and dance from the entertainment capital of the world -- Las Vegas. The powerful musical numbers, live big band swing. Beautiful dancing girls, spectacular costumes will move you. Including songs from Phantom of the Opera, Copacabana & Dreamgirls and classics from Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Elvis, Barry Manilow and much more. With musicians from the world acclaimed British Philharmonic Orchestra who have accompanied of Shirley Bassey and Michael Ball.  Prepare to be dazzled, when Vegas comes to town. Cost: £17.50 Time: 8pm Location: The Broadway Theatre, Catford Broadway, SE6 4RU Info: www. broadwaytheatre.org.uk

13 28

– Feb West Side Story

See Mountview’s production of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical.

Experience the passion an movement of this Spanish dance. Be captivated by the vibrance of the customes. A truly mesmerising display. Cost: £10 – £38 Time: Various Location: Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN Info: 0844 412 4300

Experience the authentic heart and soul of Havana - right here in London! One of Sadler’s Wells’ most successful productions, Havana Rakatan returns to the Peacock Theatre by enormous popular demand for a red hot fourth season. Salsa, mambo, jazz, bolero, son, cha-cha-cha and rumba all come alive in a dazzling dance display of Cuban passion that is guaranteed to get heads nodding and feet tapping. Set to live Cuban music courtesy of Cuba’s well-known son band Turquino, Havana Rakatan is a captivating journey through the dance and music of a truly unique country. The running time is 1 hour 55 mins (including one 20 min interval). Cost: £15 - £40   Time: Various Location: Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, WC2 Info: 0844 412 4300

THEATRE

09 10

– Feb Fuel Presents: The 14th Tale by Inua Ellams

Transition Creative is made up of top creative industry specialists. The company continues to grow from strength to strength; from designing and producing simple business cards, sophisticated website designs, to high profile awareness campaigns, press and PR. 16 Skylines Village, Limeharbour, Docklands, London E14 9TS 020 7005 0590 020 7005 0970 transition@level7media.co.uk www.level7media.co.uk

“I’m from a long line of trouble makers, of ash skinned Africans, born with clenched fists and a natural thirst for battle, only quenched by breast milk.” (Excerpt of The 14th Tale) The 14th Tale is a free-flowing narrative that tells the hilarious exploits of a natural born mischief growing from the clay streets of Nigeria to the rooftops of Dublin, and finally to London. Ellams vividly recreates the characters that punctuate his upbringing in deft and beautiful poetry, while challenging the audience’s expectations of what it is to be a young, black male in London today. The show is 55 minutes with no interval. Cost: £10 Time: Various Location: The National Theatre, Cottesloe Theatre, Southbank, SE1 9PX Info: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

Two idealistic lovers, former Jet leader Tony and Maria, sister of the Sharks leader, find themselves caught up in the ongoing conglict. All they want is to be together but is that possible in a world of violence, hatred and prejudice. Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this masterpiece of musical theatre is set in the turbulent urban slums of New York, where gang warfare between the local whites (the Jets) and immigrant Puerto Ricans (the Sharks) is rife. Overflowing with memorable songs including Tonight, Maria, Somewhere and America, West Side Story is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time. Cost: £6 – £10 Time: Various Location: The Albany, Douglas Way, Deptford, London, SE8 4AG Info: Box office -020 8692 4446

26 27

– Feb East London Dance are proud to present… Blueprint

Making their mark today, shaping the dance of tomorrow Blueprint showcases the work of young dance makers and choreographers. Following a tough audition process the performances you see on stage represent the cream of the crop from the young British dance scene. The event will premiere a brand new commission from East London Dance, London Youth Dance and Sadler’s Wells. Special guests include the 2009 Bursary Winner Rosalind Lynch. Fresh, fun and ambitious, the future is dance… the future is Blueprint. Cost: £5 – £9 Time: 8pm Location: Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, Stratford, E15 1BX Info: www.stratford-circus.com

COMEDY 14

Feb Comedy Roast UK Live -Richard Blackword

Show of the Month 11

Feb The Real Deal Comedy Jam ‘Valentines Special Tour!’

COMPETITION

To WIN a pair of tickets to this event, send your name and telephone number to competition@level7media.co.uk

04 – 06 Feb

The Best In Stand Up

This event truly does what it says on the can, with stand up from Justin Moorhouse, American comedian Ty Barnett and Canadien Phil Nichol. Ty Barnett(USA) The Comedy Store Cost: £20 Time: Various Location: The Comedy Store, 1a Oxendon Street, SW1Y 4EE Info: www. thecomedystore.co.uk

07 Feb

Credit Crunch Comedy

After the runaway success of the Comedy Takeaway Affinity, Arts Entertainment returns with another belly busting stand up comedy show. For one night only we slash the prices and give you seven of the UKs best comedians under one roof. Comedy on the night from

Richard Blackwood, Glenda Jaxson, Slim, Kevin J, Jamie Howard, Mr Cee and Quincy. We promise you more funny for your money so make sure you do not miss Credit Crunch Comedy !! Cost: £10 – £17.50 Time: 7pm Location: The Broadway Theatre, Catford Broadway, SE6 4RU Info: www. broadwaytheatre.org.uk

11 Feb

Shazia Mirza

Her laconic one-liners represent something quite unique in modern comedy. In these fraught times, she actually manages to make being a Muslim woman seem wonderfully life-enhancingly funny. Anglo-Islamic understanding is now even more elusive than before, but if anything, that makes Shazia’s comedy even more valid, and

even more vital. Cost: TBA Time: 7.30pm Location: The Comedy Pub, 7 Oxendon Street, SW1Y 4EE Info: 07535 285150 or kevin@sohocomedy.com Info: 020 7613 7498

12 Feb

Sisters Wid Gags

Four women with four very different approaches to laughter team up for a night of female humour. Sisters are doing for themselves as Upfront Comedy present four of the UK comedy circuit’s foremost comedians, rocking up for a night of no holds barred humour. Host Donna Spence introduces Miss London, Kerry Leigh and Tamika Campbell. Cost: £11.50 Time: 8pm Location: Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA

Feb The Real McCoy Comedy Xplosion

Back by popular demand! Heartbeat Entertainment the producers of the sell out shows The Kings & Queens of Comedy and The Best of The Best Comedy Xplosion proudly present The Real McCoy Comedy Xplosion. This throwback to the cult TV show will have your sides aching! Starring Felix Dexter, Leo Muhammad, Robbie Gee, Eddie Nestor and Judith Jacob. Also appearing are special guests Mr Cee and Slim. Cost: £22 Time: 7.30pm Location: The Broadway Theatre, Catford Broadway, SE6 4RU Info: www. broadwaytheatre.org.uk

26 27

– Feb Bound & Gagged presents… Stephen K Amos Stephen K Amos is back with his third solo stand-up comedy tour of the UK. It’s a brand new show full to bursting with more fun, warmth, bonhomie and love than ever before. Forget the credit crunch and welcome to The Feelgood Factor! In fact, I think we all need tickets… Cost: £22.00 - £24.75 Time: 7pm Location: HMV Hammersmith Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street, W6 9QH Info: venues.meanfiddler.com/ apollo

Get ready to witness not only a comedy show, but also an entertainment event extravaganza! The Real Deal Comedy Jam has gathered together the edgiest and hottest urban comedians and entertainers around today for a show that will make you to see why the Real Deal Comedy Jam is the UK’s no1 urban stand-up comedy show. Featuring award winning US comedian Drew Fraser, Annette Fagon, Wayne Rollins, Kat and Kurt Metzger. Entertainment will be provided by award winning dance troupe Smash Bro’z and aspiring new artist Que. The Real Deal Comedy Jam TV Pilot will be aired on Flava (Sky Channel 357) on Friday, 19 February, at 9pm. Cost: £15.00 Time: 7pm-10.45pm Location: Sway Bar, 61-65 Great Queen Street, Holborn, WC2B 5BZ Info: 0844 870 0000

Ever been front row at a comedy event and been picked out for some personal mick-taking? Well this one’s for you! For the first timer ever in the UK, Comedy Roast brings six comedians, one celebrity roasting and the man of the moment Richard Blackwood – and it’s all live. Comedians, take cover… audience, dig in! Cost: £25 – £50 Time: 7pm Location: O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12 8TT Info: www. o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk

SCREEN 05

Feb Invictus

Invictus tells the inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) joined forces with the captain of South Africa’s rugby team, Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), to help unite their country. Newly elected President Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa’s underdog rugby team as they make an unlikely run to the 1995 World Cup Championship match. Dir: Clint Eastwood, 2009, USA, biography, cert 12A, 133mins Cost: various Time: various Location: national Info: invictusmovie.warnerbros.com

Feb Fidel: The Untold Story

Documentary about Fidel Castro, covering 40 years of Cuban Revolution featuring rare Fidel Castro footage: he appears swimming with a bodyguard, visiting his childhood home and school, playing with his friend Nelson Mandela, meeting kid Elián Gonzalez, and celebrating his birthday with the Buena Vista Social Club group. Dir: Estela Bravo, 2002, USA, Documentary, cert PG, 91mins Cost: £5 Time: 2pm Location: Rich Mix, Screen 3, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Info: www.richmix.org.uk

Feb Los Marielitos

A film is about those Cubans who left the island in 1980 from the port of Mariel. After two years of living in the United States, they compare their former lives with their new ones. This film will be the last of the Celebrating Cuba range from Rich Mix. Dir: Estela bravo, 1983, USA, documentary, cert PG, 57mins Cost: £5 Time: 2 Location: Rich Mix, Screen 2, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Info: www.richmix.org.uk

SCREEN

24 28

& Feb Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner

This is major classic, an absolute must see. The prospect of a black son-in-law (saintly widower played by a suave Sidney Poitier) sparks a crisis of conscience for liberal parents Tracy and Hepburn. Timelocked as social commentary, this works best as an unashamed showcase for a grand star partnership taking its final bow. This movie made Sidney Poitier the top box office star for the year of 1967. Dir: Stanley Kramer, 1967, USA, drama, cert PG, 112mins Cost: £6.65 – £9 Time: Various Location: BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XT Info: www.bfi.org.uk

A new documentary telling the story of Guantánamo Bay, including sections on extraordinary rendition and secret prisons, and featuring interviews with human rights lawyer Clive Stafford-Smith and former prisoners Moazzam Begg and Omar Deghayes. Polly Nash is a lecturer at the London College of Communications, and has worked in film and TV for 20 years. Andy Worthington is a journalist and author of The Guantánamo Files. The post-screening discussion will be chaired by Victoria Brittain. Be sure to stay for a while after the film for the discussion. Dir: Polly Nash & Andy Worthington, 2009, UK, Documentary, cert PG, 74min Cost: £5 - £6.40 Time: 2pm Location: BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XT Info: www.bfi.org.uk

Feb Sonam (The Fortunate One) + Q&A with Director Ahsan Muzid

Knowing that she has long loved another man, Sonam’s husband offers to accept him as her other husband. Sonam gladly agrees, but the new arrangement is not as heavenly as she expected, as she is torn between the two men she loves in very different ways. This is the first film ever made in Monpa, a language of farmers and shepherds in the high hills and valleys on the Northest Frontier of India. The Monpa practice polyandry, and the film explores the tensions and rivalries this system can cause. (Subtitles) Dir: Ahsan Muzid, 2005, India, drama, Cert PG, Cost: £8 Time: 8.15pm Location: The Tricycle Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Road, NW6 7JR Info: 020 7328 1000

Feb Outside the Law: Stories From Guantanamo (plus Discussion)

EVENTS Cost: £25 Time: 6.30pm Location: Indigo O2, Millennium Way, SE10 0AX

20 Feb

African Soul Rebels 2010

The African Soul Rebels tour returns with a triple bill of the continent’s finest talent including Malian diva and taboo-busting protest singer Oumou Sangare, Benin’s funk sensation Orchestre Poly Rythmo de Cotonou and the Kalahari Surfers featuring Lesego Rampolokeng. Cost: £15 Time: 8pm Location: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS Info: 020 7638 8891 or music@barbican.org.uk

05 Feb 26

Himalaya Film & Cultural Festival

The Himalaya Festival opens with artists from opposite reaches of the Himalaya. Featuring on the night BBC Radio World Music’s very own DJ Ritu, Tibetian singer Soname, The Khan Brothers from Karachi and Yak Attack are a group of young and talented artists performing a core sound of rhythm, bass, and funk. Cost: £11 Time: 8pm Location: Rich Mix, 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA Info: 020 7613 7498

I Love Me

exhibitors and dozens of free seminars designed for potential franchisees and franchisors as well as established franchisors. Cost: TBA Time: 10am-5pm Location: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, Newham, E16 1XL Info: 01179 304927 or 0800 3280467

popular folk songs and ring games, workshop using rhythm and words to conjure up a world of scat and swing. Cost: Free Time: 1pm – 6pm Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: 0844 875 0073 or customer@southbankcentre. co.uk

12- 14

Valentine’s Masquerade Ball

Feb

The Designer Wedding Show

MTV Base Comedian Kojo hosts this dating game. It’s the perfect place to meet Mr or Miss Right! With speed dating and live music by DJ Longers. Cost: £5 Time: 8pm Location: Corks Wine Bar, Binney Street, W1 Info: 07956 338 625

A fabulous, design-led exhibition exclusively focused on the finest essentials for stylish weddings. With more than 130 of the finest specialists and creative spirits who will share your passion for design, style and luxury. The beautiful designer fashion show, the bars and restaurants, the whole ambience are designed to make this the most valuable, inspiring and enjoyable way to source everything you need. Cost: £15, Brides Free Time: 10am Location: British Genius Site, North Carriage Drive Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ Info: 0871 230 5579

12 - 13 Feb

13 Feb

The Franchise Show in London Excel exhibition centre will provide a priceless opportunity to learn everything about the franchise world. Excel London will be full of hundreds of

Tomorrow’s Warriors present an afternoon of performances and workshops combining jazz, storytelling and performance poetry featuring a musical journey to the Caribbean with

08 Feb

Catch Me Cupid

The Franchise Show

Jazzploration

Express your individuality and personality with a cool chic mask and join in the Masquerade fun. The Valentines Masquerade Ball shall be set within wonderful surroundings. Expect a great mix of professionals partying the night away on two floors with a whole host of DJs and attractions will be on hand to entertain you through the night with Whether you are single, taken or simply want a night out with friends, everyone is welcome to party in sophisticated elegance. Cost: £15 Time: 10pm Location: Prism, 147 Leadenhall Street, EC3V 4QT Info:www.chillitickets.com

Giants of Lover Rock Pt.2

Lovers Rocks most popular extravaganza returns once more for a sing a long, 3 1/2hr live Valentines special. This is followed by a 3 hour nostalgia filled after party in the main arena and VIP Lounge. Featuring bug name artists singing all their hits and more.

Single On Valentines Weekend? Switch it up for a change and be surrounded by people who are not necessarily couples and still have fun throughout the evening. Just because your single it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun, so forget the pity party for one? Get all your single friends together and go ahead and spoil yourself with all that money you saved from being single this year. Cost: Free Time: 2pm Location: Abracadabra Restaurant & Bar 91 Jermyn Street, Piccadilly, SW1Y 6JB Info: 0207 930 3111

Valentine’s Night Party

Following last year’s very popular event, Christian Connection is holding another special Valentine’s Day Event where you have a chance to meet new people, relax and dance the night away in a couple-free zone. Enjoy music, dancing and friendly hosts with loads of people from across London and beyond. Cost: £12.50 Time: 8pm Location: The Gate 18-20 St John Street, Farringdon, EC1M 4AY Info: 07706 505 48or events@ christianconnection.co.uk

Asian Padlock & Key Valentine’s Mega Party

This years event includes the padlock and key ‘Religion’ colour coded ice-breaker and Masti in the City hosts Cupid After Party playing the best in Bolly/Bhangra and World Beats with music, media and fashion Industry Celebrities and a whole a lot more. Cost: £19.25 Time: 7.30pm Location: Cape Lounge, Corner of Wood St and Love Lane ,EC2V 7JQ Info: 0871 855 30 69 or info@ ChilliTickets.com

EVENTS 13- 14

Ronny Jordan

Feb

One of the acid jazz movement’s most prominent guitarists, London-born Ronny Jordan is widely credited with returning the instrument to its rightful place as a major force in modern-day jazz; As a Valentine’s special Ronny will be giving out a download card of his latest album to everyone. Cost: £17.50 Time: 7pm Location: Jazz Café 5 Parkway, Camden, NW1 7PG Info: 0207 485 6834

14 Feb

Valentine’s Dinner & Dance

Valentine’s Evening

The spectacular high-level walkways of Tower Bridge will be transformed into an exquisitely romantic setting with sweet scented flowers, seductive lighting and live music performed by a harpist. Couples can enjoy amazing panoramic views of the City as they sip pink Champagne and nibble on chocolate truffles. Lovers who decided to take the plunge and propose on the evening will be entered in a prize draw to win free venue hire for their wedding reception at Tower Bridge worth £4,500. Cost: £15 Time: 7.30pm Location: Tower Bridge, SE1 2UP Info: 020 7403 3761 or enquires@towerbridge.org.uk

Frock Me! Vintage Fashion Fair

This is fashion world’s favourite vintage event beloved by fashion designers, students,

16 Feb

Brit Awards 2010

show offers all you need for pregnancy, babies and well beyond. Cost: £11.50 Adults, Children Free Time: 9.30am – 5.30pm Location: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, Newham, E16 1XL Info: 020 7370 8938 or info@thebabyshow.co.uk

19-23 Feb

London Fashion Week

In a landmark event, the Brit Awards in London will celebrate 30 years as a premier music show with huge names performing their greatest hits and even bigger names sitting in the audience. The public are welcome to join the world’s celebrities to find out which acts have won the coveted Brit music awards this year. Prepare for an extra special show! Cost: TBA Time: 8pm Location: Earls Court, Warwick Road, London, SW5 9TA Info: 002 7385 1200

London Fashion Week presents an unrivalled opportunity for both established designers and newcomers to present their latest collections. A constantly buzzing event in London, Fashion Week is the key event for those early-birds who haven’t got the patience to wait until the latest fashion designs and stylish fashion trends make it into the fashion magazines. Cost: TBA Time: TBA Location: Somerset House, London WC2R 1LA and 180 Strand, WC2R 3DA Info: 020 7759 1991

19-21 Feb

20 Feb

The National Wedding Show

The annual The National Wedding Show 2010 comes back to London Earls Court for yet another amazing showcase of dream wedding dresses, romantic honeymoon destinations and free makeovers. With wedding dresses, groomswear, accessories, flowers, cakes and much more under one roof at London Earls Court, you will have an amazing opportunity to arrangement and conception for your dream wedding! Cost: £12 Adults, £5 Children Time: 12pm – 7pm Location: Olympia Grand Hall, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX Info: 020 7385 1200

The Baby Show

A must attend for all mothers! With an extensive list of exhibitors, the Baby Show will offer top class baby products by expert companies that will help you make an informed purchasing decision. This year’s

Fashion & Entertainment Party Voodoo Entertainment

proudly present The Fashion & Entertainment Party in the heart of fashionable West Kensington. Mingle with like minded professionals and glamorous guests, all looking to make the effort and make this a party not to be missed! Music and Entertainment shall be provided by London’s finest DJs. Cost: £10 Time: 10pm Location: The Crescent Club, 3a North End Crescent, W14 8TG Info: 020 7603 2058 or info@ thecrescentbarw14.co.uk

27 Feb

The Hip Hop Pub Quiz

Scratch Present Mr Thing & First Rate (DMC World Champions) present The Hip Hop Pub Quiz J-Dilla Special hosted by Jehst plus Spin Doctor. Residents Matt Smooth, Tomski, Richy Pitch and Lyley will also be holding things down on the night. Cost: Free Time: 5pm - 3am Location: The Big Chill House 257-259 Pentonville Road, King’s Cross Info: 020 7427 2540 or housemanagers@bigchill.net

21 Feb

Kathak Stanzas

Southbank Centre Artist in Residence Gauri Sharma Tripathi celebrates the voice in dance, with this imaginative workshop that combines words and traditional South Asian kathak dance. Bring your voice, your feet and a little imagination. Cost: Free Time: 3pm Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX Info: 0844 875 0073 or customer@southbankcentre.co.uk

We bring you a spectacular evening of dinner and dance. Full Indian or Punjabi three course dinner, unlimited soft drinks, family atmosphere, extensive sound and light system, plasma, flames, lasers. Cost: £25 Time: 7pm Location: London Darbar, 198 Cranbrook Road, Ilford, IG1 4LU Info: 0208 518 3533 or info@ londondarbar.com

models and celebrities - it’s the perfect place to be seduced by beautiful clothes and wonderful bargains. Cost: £4, Students £2 Time: 11am – 5.30pm Location: Chelsea Old Town Hall King’s Road Kensington and Chelsea SW3 5EE Info: 020 7254 4054 or

WRITTEN & SPOKEN SPOKEN WORLD & BOOK REVIEW

04 Feb

The Farrago Love SLAM! & Love Words Top 10

Got a broken heart? Need a spare? Get down to the Farrago Love Slam and win a new one! Open to any poet and poems with a loving theme score double! The downright sleazy, they score zero! Every poet wins a new heart… Featured poets for the night include Jade Anouka, Paul Cree, AF Harrold, Fran Landesman, Bridget Minamore, and Gemma Weekes. Cost: £5 – £6 Time: 7.30pm Location: RADA Foyer Bar, Malet St, WC1 Info: Farragopoetry@yahoo. co.uk

Tongue Tied

If your voice was stolen who would you tell? Join us as this year’s exciting line up of artists celebrate the power of the human spirit to overcome, through an inspiring evening of poetry, music and dance. Xen

Arts presents an exploration of our rights to freedom of expression while raising funds to support projects in Zimbabwe, where the arts are still alive, lifting spirits and instilling hope. Cost: £10 Time: 07:30 - 23:00 Location: Cochrane Theatre, Southampton Row, WC1B 4AP Info: 020 7269 1606

05 06

Feb Little Black Book Launch

Based on a collection of short stories about everyday people engaging in the sexier side of life in London’s black community. With stories representing north, east, south and west London, the Little Black Book is something a little... different. Mysterious author Mr Oh will be selling copies of the Little Black Book as well as reading dripping wet sections in a way you won’t find in the book itself. There will also be the opportunity to win a mystery prize, only available at the launch. But what you have to do for it might interest you. Cost: TBA Time: 8pm

Location: Bar Surya, 156 Pentonville road, N1 9JL Info: 020 7713 6262

Feb Book Slam: The RBMA Edition

In Association with the Red Bull Music Academy join the Grime Scene Investigation of the capital’s literary larrikins such as educator, poet, DJ and semi-professional long distance runner, Charlie Dark, the sharpest tack in the box, comedian Doc Brown, P-Money, Wariko and award-winning crime writer, author Dreda Say Mitchell. Cost: £8 Time: 6pm Location: Shoreditch Town Hall 380 Old Street, EC1V 9LT Info: elliott@bookslam.com

Feb Brix-Tongue

Back in Brixton above the Ritzy cinema, Mista Gee introduces local performers and tries out

some new material of his own. This is a night of powerful poetry and will definitely be an entertaining experience. There’ll be music and DJ’s afterwards. Cost: £6 Time: 7.30pm – 11pm Location: Ritzy Cinema, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, SW2 1JG Info: 07913072052 or brixart@freenetname.co.uk

Feb Blessed Souls Open Mic Show Jam

This monthly open mic session has been running for 2 years. Anyone can bless the mic, either along with the mac band or with their own CD. Or, if you prefer, you can chill and enjoy the show. This month’s featured artists include Bashiyra, J Orlando and The Meds Collective. Cost: £5 Time: 8pm – 1am Location:Hootananny, 95 Effra Road, Brixton, SW2 1DF

The medicine

School Workshop Facilitator Singer & performance poet Inspirational Speaker Radio Presenter Book Lyrical Healer to perform or speak at your event, call 07944 455 010 or email: info@lyricalhealer.co.uk to see the services that Lyrical provides - visit: www.lyricalhealer.co.uk for more information.

Hugs are a universal language that speaks volumes to those who are conscious of the spectacular mystery surrounding soul connections. Earth Angels walk feely among us striding unconditionally in favour. The buttermilk of human kindness is alive, blooming and remains presence without reward or prestige. Starflower energy is in magnetic harmony with the sun cycle, sharing moonlit thoughts under a midnight blue sky. An authentic taste of love is available for mass consumption, earnestly top up your daily supply or parish is the arms of solitude. Be not of valentine cheer just for a brief moment. Be a messenger of the heart without gooey sentiments and frilly packages. Revel in admiration for your fellows 365 days of the year. Time is priceless and is the only commodity that cannot be refunded give of self timelessly. Written by Winsome “Lyrical Healer” Duncan

Coming to England Floella Benjamin Format: Paperback Published: 05/10/2009 Publisher: Walker Books Ltd ISBN: 9781406315967 RRP: £ 4.99 This touching autobiography is a unique record of the experience of immigration from one of Britain’s best-loved television personalities. When Floella Benjamin first came to England from Trinidad in the early sixties, she hadn’t seen her parents for fifteen months. At first, her joy at being reunited with her mother overcomes the shock at her new surroundings in cold, noisy London but when she starts school she is upset by the taunting and rejection she faces. Determined to survive, Floella realises that the only way is to be twice as good as everyone else.

He’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. He’s black, black like Wesley Snipes-black with Samuel Jackson’s cheeky grin. Tall with a shaved head and a chiselled type face… the kind of face which surely belongs on the big screen. Right Sarah: don’t screw this one up. Now concentrate… think ‘GODDESS’…think ‘SOPHISTICATED’…think ‘NAKED’. I try, and smile awkwardly. He smiles back. ‘Boy, I’ve heard of women throwing themselves at men, but I didn’t realise that this was how it’s done.’ Match Point. I feel his arms move around my waist, and take hold of me gently. He pushes me up straight and then looks to me for help in standing up himself.

Anita and Me Meera Syal

Singleholic Sarah Looking for Love in London

Format: Hardback Published: 20/02/2010 Publisher: Collins Educational ISBN: 9780007345335 RRP: £7.99

‘Well that was quite an adventure.’ He licks his lips. ‘We’ll have to do it again sometime.’ Then he lets go of me and walks away. Deuce. SAY SOMETHING SARAH! COME ON! Just say something for god’s sake! He’s moving further and further away. Soon it’ll be too late. But my mouth won’t move. I stand there like a statue, willing myself to speak without success, about to chalk this up as Failure #69.

It’s 1972. Nine-years-old Meena is the daughter of Indian parents who have come to England — Tollington to be exact — for a better life. As one of the few Punjabi inhabitants of her village, her daily struggle for independence is different from most. She wants fish fingers and chips, not chapati and dhal; she wants an English Christmas, not the usual interminable Punjabi festivities but more than anything, she wants to roam the backyards of working-class Tollington with feisty Anita Rutter and her gang. Blonde, cool, aloof, outrageous and sassy, Anita is everything Meena thinks she wants to be.

But then an extraordinary thing happens. He stops at the counter to talk to one of the saleswomen. He’s about six foot and built like a footballer. Images of that Gap model Tyson shoot through my head. Thirty seconds to make myself presentable…shit. Thirty seconds to calm down, and get ready to be delightful. I’m trying hard to remember the art of tossing my hair and looking seductive, but my brain won’t work and I keep brushing myself off as if I’m sweeping crumbs off my lap. Fuck. He’s getting closer. Fuck. WHAT DO I DO? Where’s Jacquie when you really need her? Come on, Sarah, just be calm. CALM, Sarah…CALM.

Precious: Based on the novel Push Sapphire

‘Hey there.’ He twists his head to the side. ‘Quite an adventure, eh? You look a bit shook up. Are you OK?’

Format: Paperback Published: 21/01/2010 Publisher: Vintage ISBN: 9780099548720 RRP: £7.99 This is the story of Precious Jones, a sixteen year old illiterate black girl who has never been out of Harlem. She is pregnant by her own father for the second time, and kicked out of school when that pregnancy becomes obvious. Placed in an alternative teaching programme, she is urged to write down her thoughts in a book. This is Precious’ diary, in which she honestly records her relationships and her life. Told with tremendous power, vitality and wit; this is an uncompromising and hugely enjoyable novel.

‘Yes. Thank you.’ I nod. ‘Thank you for helping me up. I’m so sorry for the trouble. I’m a bit clumsy sometimes.’ I’m so proud of myself that I begin to smile. ‘Ah, don’t worry about it. Clumsy is cute…especially on a girl.’ He scans the store. ‘I was looking for a present for my sister, a nice top of some sort. But I’m not very good at this kind of thing.’ He winces slightly. ‘Uh…perhaps you might help me as a kind of redress for all the pain you caused me a moment ago?’ I laugh. Game, Set, Match. Singleholic, the novel is available at bookshops and amazon.co.uk. www.singleholic.com

COMMUNITY 02 Feb

Lewisham Dance Showcase

The Lewisham Dance Showcase celebrates the talents of young people in Lewisham’s Primary and Secondary Schools. Each evening promises insipring performances and an exciting mix of dance styles. We hope you will be able to join us for the show and congratulate the young performers and teachers on their achievements. Cost: £4.50 Time: Location: The Broadway Theatre, Catford, SE6 4RU Info: 020 8690 0002

& Grenada takeover. Celebrate the independence of St Lucia and Grenada and this Flagz Soca special. DJs on the night include Q2Hype, DJ Cash, Remi D. Make sure you take your flag ya Horns and ya Whistles! Cost: £10 after with flag, no flag £15 Time: 11pm Location: Excelsior Nightclub, 191 -195 Balham High Road, SW12 Info: 07956 815 370

Feb African Drumming Course

Learn how to play an African drum, or improve your playing skills if you have some experience. Drum provided for use in class if you don’t have your own. This event will run every Sunday until the end of March. Cost: £25 Time: 1.45pm Location: Horniman Museum, 100 London Road, Forest Hill SE6 Info: 020 8314 5498 or 020 8699 1872

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01 Feb

Community choir Workshops ‘Raise your Voice’ Inspirational singing workshops will be expressing an eclectic range from African to Gospel and everything in between. Cost: TBA Time: 11am-12.30am Location: Marsha Phoenix Memorial Trust, 90/92 Tressillian Road, Brockley, SE4 1YD Info: 020 8691 5911 or office@ marshaphoenix.org

Feb Crimes Against Humanity

A specially-commissioned 30-minute film is the central element of this exhibition, which examines the themes of genocide and ethnic conflict – looking at some of the common features shared by the horrendous bloodshed in Armenia, Nazi-occupied Europe, Cambodia, East Timor, Bosnia, Rwanda and elsewhere.

Cost: Free Time: 10am – 6pm Location: Imperial War Museum London, Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ Info: 020 7416 5000

Feb Explore & Play

In association with Victory School come and explore through play, music, performance, storytelling and crafts. Sessions are suitable for families with children from toddling to 5 years. Cost: Free Time: 10am – 11am Location: The Cuming Museum, The Old Town Hall, 151 Walworth Road, SE17 1RY Info: 020 7525 2332 or cuming. museum@southwark.gov.uk

Feb Flagz: St Lucia and Grenada Take Over

We Rock SOCA presents St. Lucia

– Feb Stitch & Creative Crafts Shows

Treat yourself after a hectic Christmas season by visiting the London Stitch and Creative Crafts Shows The show boasts plenty of workshops, demonstrations plus Make and Takes hosted by crafting experts. All designed to excite, encourage new skills, develop and help with existing projects. Banish the winter blues, visit and be inspired, entertained and shop to replenish your crafting supplies. Cost: £8.50, Concessions £6.50 Time: 10am – 5pm Location: ExCeL London, One Western Gateway Royal Victoria Dock E16 1XL Info: 020 7069 5000 or info@excel-london.co.uk

Feb Love, Sax and all that Jazz Written by Mobo-nominated spoken word, rap and gospel artiste Alan Charles, the production chronicles the

experiences of four female friends as they come to terms with their individual relationship circumstance. Through their stories the production addresses such topics as singleness, infidelity, divorce, abuse, fornication and all that Jazz. Together with a live band the production promises to be thought provoking, humorous and one that will inspire, uplift and edutaining the whole family. Cost: £13 Time: 7.30pm Location: Broadway Theatre, Catford, SE6 4RU Info: 07989 574 066 or focusarts@yahoo.co.uk

Feb Elderly Care by Design

This international symposium and workshop examines how investment in the design of environments for older people, from hospitals to residential facilities, nursing homes and facilities for the end of life, can support independent living, health and wellbeing, the event will be attended by an interdisciplinary mix of researchers and practitioners from government, academia, health and social care providers, and private industry. Cost: £402.50 Time: 9.30am Location: London Southbank University, 103 Borough Road, SE1 0AA Info: 01277 634176 or info@ designandhealth.com

Power Ladies

Imagine being part of a small supportive group with other inspiring women and creating a blueprint for the year ahead. Power Ladies facilitates a forum for women who, although independent and successful, find that their motivation and confidence is amplified when they get together in a sisterhood environment. The course will enable you to work on goals in all areas of your life: relationships, career, money, health, home, spirituality and leisure. Cost: £149 Time: 7.30pm – 10pm Location: Swiss Cottage Community Centre, 19

COMMUNITY Time: 5pm Location: Enfield Baptist Church, Cecil Road, Enfield, EN2 6TG Info: 020 8379 8940 or fostering@enfield.gov.uk

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Feb Popping with Poppin’ Pete

Feb Childreach International Fundraising Ball

Winchester Road, NW3 3NR Info: 07717 664626

20 Feb

The Streatham Chutney Challenge

The race is on to find the greatest tasting chutney in Streatham. Prize Certificates will be awarded and there will be a raffle of all entries with the proceeds going to ‘Food up Front’ Enter and join the fun or just come along to the viewing day and see how the competitors get on. Cost: Free Time: 1pm-8pm Location: The Earl Ferrers, 22 Ellora Road, Streatham, SW16 6JF Info: www.streathamchutney. vpweb.co.uk

Practical life drawing course This new course is specially designed for those who wish to gain confidence and ability in life drawing. The course is suitable for all levels of ability — providing a stimulating, accessible environment for beginners and an inspirational fresh look at life drawing for those with more experience. Cost: £60, £45 concessions

Time: 10.30 am – 4.30 pm Location: Tate Morden, Tate Modern McAulay B, Millbank, SW1P 4RG Info: 020 7887 8888 or visiting. britain@tate.org.uk

Young Black & British: Identity and Community Through the Generations.

The Fifth Annual Eric and Jessica Huntley Archives Conference will question what it means to be a young, black British person in 2010, what has changed and influenced youth experience from the 1960s to the present? What has led to the process of alienation and the creation of a generation gap between the Caribbean parents who fought to provide supplementary school education for their children and the youth of today? The 2010 conference invites young people to share their experiences and reflections. Cost: £5 Time: 1pm-4pm Location: London Metropolitan Archives 40 Northampton Road, Islington, EC1R 0HB Info: 020 7332 3820 or ask. lma@cityoflondon.gov.uk

20 Feb

London College of Fashion

LCF will be running a special day of workshops as part of Discover Young Hackney ’10, a youth arts and culture festival for young people aged 11-19 from Hackney with two of three workshops in printmaking, 3D construction and fashion illustration on offer — print onto a t-shirt or bag, take a master class in illustration, or style your magic in fashion construction. Cost: Free Time: 10am-4pm Location: London College of Fashion, 182 Mare Street, E8 3RE Info: 0207 514 9350 or m.buchanan@fashion.arts. ac.uk

Feb Adopt In Enfield – Information Session

Every child deserves an equal chance of happiness in life. By providing a lifelong commitment of adoption, you can give them this. In return, they’ll give you so much more. To find out more come along to one of our information sessions held monthly. Cost: Free

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Feb Who do you think you are?

A history event where visitors can discover more about their past; ranging from creating a family tree and discovering the origin of their surname to finding out where their ancestors lived and identifying ancient artifacts. Cost: £5 Time: 9am-6pm Location: Kensington Olympia, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX Info: 0871 230 5596

Feb Sushi Making Lessons

In this very hands-on sushi lesson, you will learn practical skills from cooking sushi rice to seasoning with home made sushi vinegar, and preparing veggies and slicing raw fish and Making lots of Sushi. All the sushi you produced on the course is for you to take home with bentobox and a Sushi kit, and Sushi Lesson Recipe card with Photos. Cost: £100 Time: 3pm – 6pm Location: 4 Charlotte St, W1T 2LP Info: 07727 684 677 or sushilesson@gmail.com

This UK based registered children’s charity provides sustainable solutions to poverty worldwide. By supporting the To Children, with Love Fundraising Ball, you will raise vital funding for sustainable development projects in India, Pakistan, Tanzania, Ghana and Nepal, which provide children with the means to help themselves out of poverty and look forward to a brighter future. Attend this black tie event and experience an exotic Indian feast, henna body art, Bollywood dancers, a DJ spinning out Bhangra beats and party classics and a raffle draw with the chance to win an all inclusive trip for two to Nepal as well many more exciting prizes. Cost: £39 Time: 7pm Location: Camden Centre, Euston Road, WC1H 9JE Info: 0203 137 5500 or www. childreach.org.uk

Currently Popin’ Pete is blazing stages locally and globally, both with the Electric Boogaloos and working alongside some of this generation’s brightest and most talented music artists. Grab this unique opportunity to experience Pete in person in a lecture demonstration which is open to all, a must-see event! Cost: £10 Time: 7pm-9.30pm Location: Sadler’s Wells Rosebery Avenue, EC1R Info: 0844 412 4300 or reception@sadlerswells.com

FAITH Cost: TBA Time: 2.30pm – 4.45pm Location: Husaini Shia Islamic Centre, Wood Lane Stanmore, HA7 4LQ Info: 0208 9546247 or admin@hujjat.org

07 -12 Feb

Transforming Church Conflict

05 Feb

London Community Gospel Choir Back by popular demand, the Critically acclaimed London Community Gospel Choir presents the Shout Tour featuring inspirational and uplifting popular hit songs such as ‘Oh Happy Day’ and ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’. This tour is in association with Green Tree Productions and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. Cost: £17, Concessions £15 Time: 8pm Location: Millfield Arts Centre Silver Street, Edmonton N18 1PJ Info: 020 8807 6680

03 -05 Feb

Simply Wisdom Women’s Retreat The Simply Wisdom retreat will be an inspirational and life-changing event, especially for women with a hunger to experience more of God, and who wish to be used by God to create change in their lives and environments. Join us as we create friendships, share fellowship and seek God for breakthrough in every area of our lives. Transportation will leave and return from East Croydon Station. Cost: £199 Time: TBA Location: The Ashburnham Christian Trust, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 9NF Info: retreats@simplywisdom. com

06 Feb

Forbidden Fruit A one-day conference that will begin to look at the what, why and how of sexual addiction: what is it, why do people get stuck and how to break free. This conference is suitable for churches, groups and individuals either ministering in this area, struggling themselves, or wanting to learn more. Time: 9.30am – 5pm Cost: £22, Concession £10 Location: St James the Less Church, Thorndike Street, SW1V 2PS Info: 020 7630 1044 or info@living-waters-uk.org

07 Feb

Sacred Silence Ameet Thakkar, the Hindu

consultant psychologist, will introduce Sacred Silence with some thoughts on material relating to the functioning of thought in relation to the practice of meditation. Cost: Free Time: 3pm-5pm Location: London Inter Faith Centre, 125 Salusbury Road, NW6 6RG Info: info@londoninterfaith. org.uk

Inter-faith Husayn Day The KSIMC of London cordially invites you to an Interfaith programme followed by prayers and dinner commemorating the life and mission of Imam Husayn in upholding human values. Your attendance will strengthen understanding and help build relationships across faiths.

Conflict is normal and inevitable, but Christians often feel ill prepared to handle conflict in the church. This five-day course is focussed on conflict in church settings and is intended for those in leadership positions and also for other Christians who want to learn how to deal better with conflict. Cost: £750 Time: TBA Location: Guy Chester Centre, Muswell Hill Info: 0845 4500 214 or lmc@menno.org.uk

11 Feb

Christian Zen Group Sitting (Zazen) is a centuries-old practice by which we seek to experience clear reality in the present moment by sitting still and silent in God’s presence, quieting the constant stream of thoughts. Please bring your own mat and Zen cushions if you have one. You are welcome to sit on a chair or on the floor as you choose. Cost: TBA Time: 6.15pm – 8pm Location: London Inter Faith Centre, 125 Salusbury Road, NW6 6RG Info: 020 7372 1765 or maggie.hindley@ londoninterfaith.org.uk

13 Feb

Monthly Qur’anic Seminar The British Academy of Qur’anic Studies presents a one-day intensive course on The Beauty Of The Qur’an: Tafsir Of Surah

FAITH 12 Feb

Maha-Shivaratri Festival This popular festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva and celebrated by Hindus all over the world, fasting the whole day, keeping awake the whole night and engaging in prayers and meditation throughout the night. Cost: Free Time: TBA Location: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir 105-119, Brentfield Road, Neasden, NW10 8LD Info: 020 8965 2651 or info@ mandir.org

Valentine Dinner and Dance A Romantic Evening with a three course running buffet, wine, live entertainment and prizes. A & C Promotions and Mighty Men of Valour will be hosting this event so whether you’re married or single, come along with friends, family, partner, wife or husband and enjoy some good music, exotic food and loving fellowship. Cost: £37.50 Time: 18:30 - 1am Location: Hilton Hotel, 101 Waddon Way, Croydon, CR9 4HH Info: 07958 770 779 or info@mightymenofvalour.com

GIVE a little respect… Utrujj invites you to this special interactive course taught by Dr Mobayed, a consultant psychiatrist and lecturer. The course will focus on how to improve our relationship with our parents/parent-in-laws drawing on Islamic teachings and psychological techniques. A course that will benefit anyone with parents; booking is essential. Cost: £29, Concessions £19 Time: 10:30am - 17:30pm Location: Central London, Exact Venue TBA Info: 0796 616 6012 or courses@utrujj.org

16 Feb

Faith & Public Policy seminar Regulating Global Finance Markets: Jewish, Christian and Islamic Perspectives. The speaker for the night’s areas of research focus on philosophical and political theology, with a particular interest in how these relate to economics and international relations. Cost: TBA Time: 5.30pm – 7pm Location: The Old Committee Room, Strand Campus, King’s College London Info: leonie.taylor@kcl.ac.uk

Relationships, as designed by God

17 Feb

Join Jonathan Clark, Manager of Premier Lifeline; speak on the Biblical perspective on love, marriage and sex. This will be an honest, and sometimes frank, discussion on a Christian perspective to this challenging subject. Space is strictly limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. Cost: £10 Time: 9.30am-5pm Location: Storeys Gate, Westminster, SW1H 9NH Info: 08456 52 52 52

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, and is a day of prayer, penitence and reflection. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, and is a day of prayer, penitence and reflection. The Imposition of Ashes will take place at the 0800, 1230 and 1700 eucharist. Cost: Free Time: 8am Location: St Paul’s Cathedral, St Paul’s Churchyard, EC4M 8AD Info: 20 7246 8357 or

Ash Wednesday

18-19 Feb

Youth Alpha Course Experience two incredible days where teenagers and youth leaders can find out more about running a Youth Alpha course. This year featuring an all-new programme including main sessions, workshops and seminars, plus lots of space for worship and ministry. Don’t miss the celebration with a special guest band, and the launch of the brand new online version of Youth Alpha. Costs: £55, Students £30 Time: Location: Holy Trinity Brompton, N4 Info: youth@alpha.org

20 Feb

Simply Wisdom This women’s meeting is a time of fellowship, worship and teaching for leadership and personal development. Registration is necessary. Cost: Free Time: 6pm-9.30pm Location: The Euro Queen’s Hotel, The Windsor Suite, 122 Church Road Crystal Palace, SE19 2UG Info: info@simplywisdom.co.uk

27 Feb

CYMFed Congress The National Congress for Catholics working with young people has organized a day of brilliant input to inspire and support all those looking to connect young people with the Church — Youth Leaders, Parish Volunteers, Chaplains, Catechists and Priests. Cost: £14 Time: 11am – 6pm Location: Friends Meeting House, 173 Euston Road, NW1 2BJ Info: congress@cymfed.org

Ar-Rahman. This surah of the Qur’an follows a simple beautiful rhythm, with the meaning and intonation of the verses reinforcing the main theme of the surah, which is manifesting two of Allah (swt) attributes: His Mercy and Grace. Cost: £25 Time: 9am-6.30pm Location: Bancroft Building, University of London, Mile End Road, E1 4NS Info: 07092 813 541 or info@iidr.org

visitsdepartment@ stpaulscathedral.org.uk

HEALTH & WELLBEING from physical and psychological restrictions. It balances all the muscle groups and integrates the four universal types of stretching in each exercise, making it unique to all to other forms of exercise. Classes will also incorporate breathing and postures. Beginners are very welcome. Cost: £20 Time: 8pm-9pm Location: Herne Hill Methodist Church Hall, SE24 Info: 020 7737 2260 or siaacademy@btconnect.com

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Feb International Fitness Week

With events, activities and promotions running throughout the world, Fitness First is masterminding the campaign to make exercise fun and enjoyable. Fitness First will be opening its doors to everyone in a bid to encourage people who are new to exercise. Cost: Free Time: See local club opening times Location: Fitness First Clubs Worldwide Info: www. internationalfitnessweek.com

02 Feb

Healthy Heart Event

This event provides a great insight into how to keep your heart healthy. There are a number of risk factors associated with heart health. This month we will be focusing on exercise, stress and blood pressure. Take the step test challenge and see how fit you are, learn how to relax and manage your stress levels through our autogenic classes and our Senior Wellbeing Advisor will measure your blood pressure. Cost: Free Time: 10am – 4pm Location: King Georges Park, Burr Road, SW18 4SQ Info: 020 8874 1155

06 Feb

Boot Camp Training

Get fit in your lunch break with outdoor boot camp for people that feel tough enough. Classes focus on endurance and strength, the main goal is a full body workout that is tough but Fun. All fitness levels welcome. Cost: £10.00 Time: 11.30pm – 12.30pm Location: Canary Wharf Ice Rink, Canada Square Park, E14 Info: 07809575299 or info@fitinfitness.co.uk

Feb Pole Dancing Taster Class

Polestars is the UK’s largest independent alternative fitness

school, teaching women from all walks of life how to dance for fun and fitness. Pole dancing classes are perfect for toning and strengthening your upper body as well as making you feel more sexy! A once off taster session is the perfect way to try out a pole dancing lesson without committing to a full course. You will have fun and experience a new fitness class to remember. Cost: £ 20 Time: 7pm Location: Zoo Bar, 13-17 Bear Street, WC2H 7AS Info: 020 7274 4865 or info@polestars.net

Feb Egyptian Stretching & Breathing

Egyptian Stretching is called Sesh. Sesh means freedom. It is a form of stretching designed by the ancient Egyptian sages to achieve flexibility and freedom

Feb Valentines Day Archery for Singles

Don’t wait for Cupid’s arrow to strike – take matters into your own hands with the Valentines Day archery for singles at 2020 Archery. This unusual matchmaking event will teach you the basics of archery in fun group lessons. Cost: £30.00 Time: 4pm Location: 2020 Archery 16, Barnsbury Terrace, N1 1JL Info: 07753 882467 or enquiries@2020archery.co.uk

Valentine’s Love Run

The 10k Valentines Love Run London is in aid of the Action Duchenne charity, which raises funds and awareness for boys suffering from the muscle wasting disease Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. If you want to show some love to this charity and test your sporting skills at the same time, register to run in this race. Cost: £25.00 Time: 11am Location: Battersea Park,

Feb International Netball Series: England v Australia See two of the world’s top netball teams battle it out this February as the England team takes on the Australian Diamonds. Australia is currently the top-ranked netball team worldwide. England is at No 3. Let’s hope they can reprise their winning form this February and knock the shine off those Diamonds! Cost: £24 Location: The O2, Greenwich Peninsular, SE10 0BB Info: 020 8463 2627 or www.theo2.co.uk

SW11 4NJ Info: 02085569955 or kelly@actionduchenne.org

Feb Wellbeing Wednesdays

For a combined number of styles from within Hatha and Classical Yoga creating an individual practice and teaching these Yoga classes are open to all abilities and include dynamic stretches, breathing exercises and as much relaxation as desired. Cost: £10 Time: 7pm – 8pm Location: The Awareness Centre, 41 Abbeville Road Clapham, SW4 9JX Info: 07944 301 813

Feb The Virgin London Mini Marathon Trial

Open to girls and boys aged 11 -17 years, eight runners in each category will be selected to represent Kingston in the Virgin London Mini Marathon. The trial will be of a similar distance to the Virgin London Mini Marathon which is 3 miles. Cost: Free Time: 10am-12pm Location: Barnet Copthall Athletics Stadium, NW4 Info: 0208 359 7817

HEALTH & WELLBEING Dear Counsellor Mike I am a 34 year old woman who doesn’t seem to get it right when it comes to men. The men that I do meet take advantage of me and I foolishly allow it. What’s wrong with me!! Last year I found the job of my dreams abroad in Spain and I met a handsome, tall dark stranger, who was also working with me. We hit it off immediately and we went out for two months before he started physically abusing me. I guess I was in total shock by the whole experience, but I really liked him and of course we worked together, I stayed with him. It wasn’t too long before he hit me again. Luckily I came back home as work finished for the summer and he went back to his country. We have not been in touch since, but this has truly affected my low self esteem and confidence. I want to go back to Spain this year, but am afraid he will be there. I am angry at myself for letting him control my life by keeping me away from the job I love. Please can you advise me? Tara

Henry You are not the only man to be in this predicament. Men these days like to take it easy before meeting the right woman and tend to settle down later on in life. The only difference with you is that you have been a workaholic and not thought of anything else. Have you tried going out with your male friends to meet people, joining a social club of some sort or trying on line dating? All you have to do is be yourself and relax. Don’t think about talking to the opposite sex as being daunting, but look at them as one of colleagues at work that you get on with really well. You may need the support of a life coach to help you achieve your goal so that you will become “experienced and happy.” Good Luck Counsellor Mike

If you are in a relationship and have a question for Counsellor Mike to answer, email: mike@theinstituteofwellbeing.com. To see all our Private Therapies and Personal Development Programmes - visit: www.theinstituteofwellbeing.com or call 0700 2222 700 for more information. SPECIAL 10% DISCOUNT ON COUPLE COUNSELING IN FEBRUARY

Mike Kelly is the CEO and Founder of the Institute of Wellbeing, which promotes total well-being and healthy living through a range of lifestyle & personal development programmes, Private Therapies, Multimedia and Creative Arts - for all people at all stages of life.

Tara Tara you were in a terrifying situation. No woman should experience any physical abuse from any man and I am pleased to hear that he is no longer in contact with you. I would strongly reconsider thinking about going back to Spain if you know he is going to be there. Currently you have low confidence and are vulnerable, so seeing him could trigger off emotions that could seriously affect you for the worst. Before you make your decision, you need to build on your confidence and gain control of your life. This starts from within and learning to love yourself. You deserve to find love and happiness in your life and you may need the help and support of a Counsellor to help you find your way back on track and regain your confidence. Counsellor Mike

Dear Counsellor Mike I am a 35 year old man who has not experienced a relationship before. I have spent most of my time devoted to work. I guess time creeps up with you when you are a workaholic and I always thought that I would meet the right person at the right time, but now, I have decided to adopt more of a social life and I feel that I am missing something in life and would like to meet someone. I just don’t know how to approach the opposite sex without looking “inexperienced and sad.” Please could you give me some tips? Henry

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Feb A Flower in Every Meadow

Children’s artwork from an East London Mosque - this exhibition gives an insight into the exuberant creativity of young British Muslims today. The fruit of an art class held as part of after-school lessons in a Pakistani-run mosque in Newham. The class is supported by Minhaj-ul-Quran Mosque and is the initiative of Allegra Mostyn-Owen. A rare example of positive mutual engagement between a traditional mosque and a visiting educator of Christian background Cost: TBA Time: TBA Location: 12 Star Gallery, European Commission, 8 Storey’s Gate, SW1 Info: 0207 820 0444 or info@christianmuslimforum.org

Feb Chris Ofili Exhibition

Chris Ofili’s intensely coloured and intricately ornamented paintings are on show at Tate Britain in a major survey of the artist’s career that brings together over 45 paintings, as well as pencil drawings and watercolours from the mid 1990s to today. One of the most acclaimed British painters of his generation, Ofili won the Turner Prize in 1998 and represented Great Britain at the 50th Venice Biennale in 2003. Cost: £10, Concession £8.50 Time: 10am - 5.50pm Location: The Upper Room, Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG Info: 020 7887 8888 or visiting.britain@tate.org.uk

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Feb Images of Zimbabwe

Southwark Cathedral will be hosting an exhibition of photos to mark one year since the launch of the Archbishops’ Appeal for Zimbabwe, in partnership with USPG -Anglicans in World Mission. The photos capture the extensive

01 07

Feb Investigation of Fakes and Forgeries

In this display, The Metropolitan Police Service’s Art and Antiques Unit showcases some of the investigative methods involved in detecting and preventing the increasingly sophisticated crime of art forgery. Using historical and contemporary criminal cases, the broader financial and cultural impacts of art forgery on modern society are considered. Cost: Free Time: 9 am - 5.30pm Location: Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL Info: 0844 209 1770

Feb African Fever: Performing “Africa” In Europe

Collection of photographs from number of African-themed circuses that toured Europe in 2008. In the exhibition, images of the circus’s spectacle are displayed side-by-side against ones taken outside of performance, and accompanying each image are simple pieces of text that give a different perspective into the world of the photograph’s subjects. Cost: Free Time: 10.30am – 5pm Location: School of Oriental & African Studies, Thornhaugh Street, WC1H 0XG Info: 020 7637 2388

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Feb Grace Ndiritu - Questions from the past

Artist Grace Ndiritu works at the intersection of film and performance. This talk and gallery visit uses performance video art from her Still Life and Responsible Tourism series to dialogue with paintings from the Orientalism movement and Henri Matisse, examining how these works influenced Western ideas of Africa in the late nineteenth century. Cost: £5, Concessions £4 Time: 2pm - 3.30pm Location: Tate Britain Duffield Room, Millbank, SW1P 4RG Info: 020 7887 8888 or visiting. britain@tate.org.uk

Feb Story of Stones

work being done by the local church to feed the hungry, heal the sick and begin to provide long-term peace and stability for local communities in Zimbabwe. Cost: TBA Time: 9.30am to 5pm Location: Southwark Cathedral, SE1 9DA Info: 020 7367 6700 or Isobel.owen@ lambethpalace.org.uk

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Feb Corvi-Mora

Tommaso Corvi-Mora is pleased to present new work by Pakistani artists Aisha Khalid and Imran Qureshi. Both artists studied at the National College of Arts in Lahore specialising in miniature painting. They combine traditional techniques with a contemporary subject matter. Cost: TBA Time: 11am – 6pm Location: Corvi-Mora, 1a Kempsford Road London SE11 4NU Info: 020 7840 9111

Feb Where Three Dreams Cross: 150 years of Photography

In association with Green Cardamom, this symposium investigating the misconceptions, absences and annotations that characterise written histories of photography, leading writers and curators address who is taking the picture and why. Also showcases 150 years of photography from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Participants include Iftikhar Dadi, Amna Malik, Kobena Mercer, Hammad Nasar, and Irit Rogoff Cost: £10 Time: 2pm Location: Whitechapel Gallery,

77-82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX Info: 020 7522 7888 or info@ whitechapelgallery.org

Black Heritage Season – Beyond the Surface

Visit the V&A for Beneath the

Surface and discover a treasure trove of objects from the African Continent. Learn about the relationship and movement of people and objects between Britain, African and its Diaspora. Participate in a range of vibrant events including curator led talks, gallery tours,

creative learning workshops, film screenings, music and performance. Cost: TBC Time: 10am to 17.45pm Location: V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL Info: 020 7942 2211

Chander Kanta Bhasin has achieved exceptional recognition in the State of Punjab for her intricate embroidery pieces. She regularly exhibits her work, in and around the London. Her exhibitions have been received extremely well amongst both artists and art connoisseurs. Cost: TBA Time: 6.15pm Location: Nehru Centre 8 South Audley Street, W1K 1HF Info: 0207 491 3567 or nehrucentre@btconnect. com

FOOD Papine Jerk

Caribbean Restaurant & Take Away

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7924 2288 Address: 8 Lavender Road, London, SW11 2UG

Planet Caribbean

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7924 2288 Address: 8 Lavender Road, London, SW11 2UG

Presidential Suya Restaurant

Cuisine: African 020 7708 4491 162-164 Old Kent Road, London, SE1 5TY

Rastarant

Calabash

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7437 7770 Address: Portland Road, London, SE25 4PP

Cuisine: Caribbean 22 24 Vicarage Lane Stratford, London, E15 4ES Tel: 020 8503 1664

Savannah Jerk

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 8677 1771 Address: 187 Wardour Street, London, W1F 8ZB

12 Chapel Street Ilford, IG1 2AG Tel: 020 8911 8350

Spice 2000 805 Restaurant

Cuisine: African Tel: 020 7639 0808 Address: 805-807 Old Kent Road, London, SE15 1NX

Ace Fusion Restaurant

Cuisine: Caribbean Restaurant Address: 110 St John’s Hill, Battersea, London, SW11 1SJ

Biravenaas

Cottons

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7833 3332 Address: 70 Exmouth Market, Clerkenwell, London, EC1R 4QP

Curry Garden

Cuisine: Indian Tel: 020 8852 5090 Address: 133 Burnt Ash Road, London, SE12 8RA

Cuisine: Indian Tel: 020 8695 8625 Address: Sandhurst Road, London, SE6 1DL

Everest Inn

Blessed West Indian

Flakes

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7274 4110 Address: 203 Coldharbour Lane, London, SW9 8RZ

Carmen’s Rose

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 8684 3311 Address: 79 Whitehorse Road, London, CR0 2JJ

Coco Caribbean Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7833 3332 Address: 70 Exmouth Market, London, EC1R 4QP

Chef Colin Brown

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7515 8177 Address: 2 Yabsley Street Poplar, E14 9RGK

Cuisine: Indian Address: 881-883 Old Kent Road, London, SE15 1NL Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7582 4222 Address: 152 Newington Butts, Kennington, SE11 4RN

Island Buka

Cuisine: African Tel: 020 8692 8397 Address: 160-162 Deptford High Street, London, SE8 3PQ

Jam Rock

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 8240 1085 Address: 9-11 Woodville Road, London, CR7 8LH

Jerk City

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7287 2878 Address: 189 Wardour St, London, W1F 8ZD

Jolly J African Restaurant

Cuisine: African Tel: 020 8297 6606 Address: 221 Lee High Road, London, SE13 5PQ

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 8244 4770 Address: 34 Sangley Road, London, SE6 2JT

The Waterfall Caribbean

Cuisine: Caribbean Address: 2 Colman House, High Street Penge,Greater London SE20 7EX

Tomi’s Kitchen

Cuisine: African Tel: 020 8297 8794 Address: 126 Deptford High Street, London, SE8 4NS

Troy Bar & Restaurant

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 7739 6695 Address: 10 Hoxton Street, Shoreditch, London, N1 6NG

Windies Cove

Cuisine: Caribbean Tel: 020 8305 2500 Address: 135-137 Trafalgar Road, London, SE10 9TX

God Bless Restaurant

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Majestic Restaurant

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Omrith

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Black Heroes of Our Time

POLITICS & LAW

is an exciting informative, publication highlighting the achievements of people of African descent. Published by Seven Media this unique Glossy A4 historical book promotes the achievements of people of colour particularly focusing on trail blazers and noted people who are the first in their field to have made recognisable achievements within government, the arts, business, industry and community sectors.

Black Heroes of Our Time

POLITICS & LAW

Baroness Valerie Amos

One of Britain’s First Black Female Recorders

B: 1954 - Georgetown, Guyana Baroness Valerie Amos was created a life peer in 1997. She is a British Labour Party politician and life peer, formerly serving as Leader of the House of Lords and Lord President of the Council. When she was appointed Secretary of State for International Development on 12 May 2003, following the resignation of Clare Short, she became the first black woman to sit in the Cabinet of the United Kingdom. A distinctive element of Baroness Amos’ political career is that she has never actually been elected to any public office as every office held has been

B: 1957

an unelected appointment. Following positions in Equal Opportunities, Training and Management Services in local government in the London boroughs of Lambeth, Camden and Hackney, she became Chief Executive of the Equal Opportunities Commission 1989–94. After resigning from the cabinet, Baroness Amos took up a directorship with Travant Capital, a Nigerian private equity fund launched in 2007 and is involved with the 2012 Olympic Committee.

Barrister Constance Briscoe was one of six children born to two Jamaicans who settled in the UK in the 1950s. Briscoe studied Law at the University of Newcastle, financing her studies through various weekend and holiday jobs including working at a hospice with the terminally ill. After completing her MA at the University of Warwick she was called to the Bar in 1983, and became a Recorder, a part time

judge in 1996 - one of the first black women to sit as a judge in the UK. Briscoe’s legal practice focuses on criminal law and fraud, principally defending. She is also known for her books ‘Ugly’ and ‘Beyond Ugly’ in which she recounts tales of abuse as a child and she often talks about her experiences publicly.

Baroness Scotland

The First Black Female Attorney General

Dame Linda Dobbs

B: 1955 - Commonwealth of Dominica In 1999, Scotland was appointed Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. She was responsible for introducing the Bill to ratify the International Criminal Court in the United Kingdom. She also set up a panel of British-based lawyers who provided pro bono services to UK nationals imprisoned overseas. In 2001 she became Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor’s Department, and was made a member of the Privy Council. Scotland was a contender for a

The First Black Judge Appointed To the High Courts of Justice

cabinet position at a time when Tony Blair is reported to have considered appointing her Leader of the House of Lords. In 2003, Lady Scotland of Asthal, as she is also known, was made Minister of State for the Criminal Justice system and Law Reform at the Home Office. On 28 June 2007, Baroness Scotland was appointed Attorney General by the new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. She is the first woman to hold the office since its foundation in 1315.

B: 1951 Dobbs’ mother was from Sierra Leone, and her father was an English lawyer who became a High Court judge in Sierra Leone. She studied Linguistic and Regional Studies (Russian and Law) at the University of Surrey, graduating with a BSc in 1976. She received an LLM from the London School of Economics, and a PhD for research on criminology and penology in the Soviet Union. Dame Linda Penelope Dobbs was the first non-white person to be assigned as judge of the High Court of justice of England and Wales. She was appointed a High Court Judge in September

Bernard Grant MP

One of Britain’s First Black MPs

B: 1944 - Georgetown, Guyana

2004. She received a DBE, and was assigned Queen Bench Division, the Administrative Court, and the Criminal Division of the Court of Appeal. At the time of the appointment, Dobbs said: “It is a great honour to have been invited by the Lord Chancellor to become a High Court Judge… I am confident, nevertheless, that I am the first of many to come”. She has subsequently been appointed as Chairman of the Magisterial Committee of the Judicial Studies Board.

D: 2000

Bernard Grant was one of many West Indians who took up the British government’s invitation to the colonies to move to the UK for blue-collar employment in 1963. He was for a period a member of the Socialist Labour League. He quickly became a trade union official, and moved into politics, becoming a Labour councilor in the London Borough of Haringey in 1978. As council leader during the Broadwater Farm riot of 1985, in which a policeman, PC Blakelock, was killed, he was thrown into the public eye, when he was widely quoted as saying “The police got

a bloody good hiding”. Grant claimed had been taken out of context, but offered an apology to the family of PC Blakelock. The controversy did not prevent him from becoming MP for Tottenham in the 1987 election, one of only three black MPs at the time. As an MP he backed demands for black sections in the Labour and was recognised as a staunch voice against Police racism. In September 2007 in Tottenham, London, Haringey Council opened the Bernie Grant Arts Centre in his name.

Dawn Butler MP The first Black Female Minister in the House of Commons

B: 1969- London, UK

Colin Powell

First African-American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

B: 1937 - New York City, California, USA Colin Luther Powell, KCB, MSC, is an American statesman and retired as a four-star general in the United States Army. He was well known for his tremendous popularity among the American people. He was the first African American appointed to the position of 65th United States Secretary of State, serving under President George W. Bush. During his time within the military, Powell also served as National Security Advisor, as Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Army Forces Command and as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, holding the latter position during the Gulf War. He was the first, and so far the only, African American to serve on the Joint Chiefs

of Staff. Colin Powell announced his resignation as Secretary of State on Monday, November 15, 2004. The following day, George W. Bush nominated National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice as Powell’s successor. In 2007, Powell donated the maximum amount to John McCain’s campaign with his name listed as a possible running mate in 2008 for Republican nominee McCain’s presidential election bid however, on October 19, 2008, Powell declared his backing of Barack Obama during a Meet the Press interview, citing “his ability to inspire, because of the inclusive nature of his campaign’ additionally referring to Obama as a “transformational figure.”

Dawn Petula Butler is a British Labour politician, Member of Parliament for Brent South and an Assistant Chief Whip for Gordon Brown’s government. She worked as a GMB Union Officer, including time as a national race and equality officer. She was also an advisor to former London Mayor Ken Livingstone on employment and social issues. She is the first Black female minister in the House of Commons. She was born in London into a large family of Jamaican immigrant parentage with a sister and four brothers. She has said, “It is important to me that government is reflective of our diverse community and ordinary hard working individuals are given the opportunity to have their voices heard.” Interest in youth services has continued as one of her main interests in Parliament. On 24 October 2006 she was appointed Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Youth Affairs, and she is an Honorary Vice President of the British Youth Council. After Gordon Brown became Prime Minister, on 27 June 2007, Butler was made one of the Labour Party’s six Vice Chairs, with particular responsibility for Youth issues. on

She was appointed to the Select Committee on the Modernisation of the House of Commons shortly after her election, and has also served on standing committees (notably on the Violent Crime Reduction Bill 2006). In November 2007 she was appointed to the Children & Families Select Committee. Earlier (in November 2005), she had been promoted to Parliamentary Private Secretary to the health minister Jane Kennedy, but decided to stand down from this post in early 2006. On 6 November 2007, Butler was chosen to second the Queen’s Speech. Her voting record shows she has largely been loyal to the government. She was promoted to Assistant Whip on 12 September 2008.

A Seven

0 Editi

2009 - 201

is a fantastic educational tool for teachers in schools, colleges, youth workers and other educationalist with pages and pages of facts and figures detailing the lives and achievements of Black people that have often gone undocumented.

Black Heroes of Our Time

is particularly accessible to young people as it celebrates not only the African American achievers like Martin Luther King and Alice Walker but also home grown talent like Bill Morris and Kwame Kwei-Armah highlighting rappers, entrepreneurs and community activists. The whole family as well as educationalist will find this important publication invaluable during Black History Month and throughout the year and as an inspiration to all especially young people. For added value we have available a seperate teachers resource crammed pack with exercises and activities to help you get the best out of Black

Constance Briscoe

The First Black Female Cabinet Minister and Joint First Black Woman Peer

Heroes of Our Time.

Black Heroes of Our Time - The book - £25

is already fast becoming an essential addition to all the family.

Black Heroes of Our Time -The book and Teachers Resource Pack- £75 is a ‘must have’ feature in all teachers’ and educationalists toolkit.

To Order Now or for more information about Black Heroes of our Time contact: info@level7media.co.uk Tel: Seven Media 0207 005 0590 www.level7media.co.uk/heroes

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